A meadow is a field of native grasses and wildflowers that provides food and shelter for birds and other local wildlife.
WHY MEADOWS IN AKRON’S PARKS?
The City of Akron maintains about 160 parks for public use and enjoyment. This includes over 500 acres of lawn space that require regular mowing. Now, Akron is ready for a greener transformation. By replacing portions of traditional lawns with meadows filled with native wildflowers, we can create vibrant spaces that benefit both nature and people — and offer a more visually appealing alternative to standard lawns.
The Benefits of City Meadows!
Cleaner Air
Gas-powered mowers and leaf blowers release pollutants into the air, which lowers air quality. Converting lawns to meadows reduces emissions and improves the air we breathe.
Flood & Erosion Control
Many native plants have deep roots that absorb and retain water more effectively than turf grass. This reduces the risk of flooding and soil erosion.
Carbon Storage
Native plants act as natural carbon sinks, storing more carbon in their deep root systems than lawns ever can. In contrast, carbon emissions from mowing contribute to greenhouse gases that warm the atmosphere.
Healthier Water
Native plants improve water quality by filtering runoff before it reaches local waterways.
A Haven of Beauty
The beauty of native wildflowers and grasses fosters a distinct sense of place, deepening our connection to nature.
Biodiversity
Birds, Bees & Butterflies Native plants are vital to local ecosystems. They provide food and shelter for songbirds, bees, and butterflies while also creating excellent spaces for observing larger wildlife.
Current Projects
Hardesty Park
Starting at Hardesty Park, the program is being tested on a small area that is unusable for events, sports or parking. We are starting small to test the program and are currently getting community feedback on the best location either at the northwest end of the park or the south end near W. Market Street.
On May 20th we met with neighbors that live directly on the park to introduce the idea and get feedback.
On June 11th at 6pm, the entire neighborhood is invited to the park for ice cream and to hear more about the goals of the program and ask questions. Kids are welcome and will get coloring pages to learn about the importance of sustainability.
What To Expect
July 2025: Signs will go up in July at the site to notify people of the project and the grass and weeds will be killed
September 2025: A limited number of plants will be planted to start the meadow
February 2026: The site will be well seeded with native plants
Spring/Summer 2026 and Beyond: The City will oversee the maintenance and growth of the meadow
It may take time to establish and will go through phases of growth. It may not look like it’s intentional, but it is being watched and maintained.
This test project will help us engage other communities around their neighborhood parks and help us refine communication
Unused Area Behind the Dog Park on Memorial Parkway
A meadow is being added in a large area near Memorial Parkway, generally marked by the orange oval in the image shown here. This will eliminate a large mowing area and create a natural meadow. The dog park is managed by BARC, a nonprofit organization, who has been in conversation with the City and is supportive of this project.
What To Expect
July 2025: Signs will go up in July at the site to notify people of the project and the grass and weeds will be killed
September 2025: A limited number of plants will be planted to start the meadow
February 2026: The site will be well seeded with native plants
Spring/Summer 2026 and Beyond: The City will oversee the maintenance and growth of the meadow
It may take time to establish and will go through phases of growth. It may not look like it’s intentional, but it is being watched and maintained.
Signs will go up in July at the site to notify people of the project and the grass and weeds will be killed
SEPTEMBER 2025
A limited number of plants will be planted to start the meadow
FEBRUARY 2026
The site will be well seeded with native plants
SPRING/SUMMER 2026 AND BEYOND
The City will oversee the maintenance and growth of the meadow
It may take time to establish and will go through phases of growth.
It may not look like it’s intentional, but it is being watched and maintained. This test project will help us engage other communities around their neighborhood parks and help us refine communication.
Nature In Our Neighborhoods Partners
Supporting and Consulting Project Partners:
"A meadow is what can happen when you give the Earth a chance to heal itself."
— OWEN WORMSER
The Nature in our Neighborhood Grants funded by the Wild4Ever Foundation
Two $5,000 grants from Wild4Ever were awarded by APC for projects helping to support native wildlife and native flora in a City of Akron park.
2023 Awardees
Marcy Park in South Akron Hardesty Park in Wallhaven
