AKRON, Ohio – The city of Akron on Thursday announced it will hold a grand reopening event to celebrate the completed renovations of Lock 3, located at 200 S. Main St.
The reopening celebration for the 3.2-acre space is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 29, following the city’s Welcome Santa Parade, which begins at 6 p.m. Following the parade, which features floats, marching bands and characters in costumes, the city will cut the ribbon on Lock 3.
At 7 p.m. there will be a drone show, along with ice carving and appearances from Santa and The Grinch. Ice skating will be available from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. on Nov. 29, according to the city.
Located in the center of Akron and along the Ohio & Erie Canalway and Towpath Trail, Lock 3 has been reimagined as a year-round park that is accessible and welcoming for residents and visitors.
Venue highlights include:
- Shaded seating and landscaped gardens
- More than 35,000 native plants and more than 100 native trees
- Artwork
- Two skating areas
- Movable seating during warmer months
- The Frances and Richard Buchholzer Balcony, a gathering space that extends the venue
- The Maynard Performance Pavilion
“The Maynard Performance Pavilion is named in honor of the late Phil Maynard, a wonderful pillar of Akron business and philanthropy,” Akron Mayor Shammas Malik said in a news conference that was also live streamed. “It’s a unique, one-of-a-kind facility. It features three sides for performances. The lawn view for concerts and events will have seating for 3,000 to 3,500 guests. The Swensons Game Patio view will be for smaller performances of about 500 to 1,000 guests. And then, the canal view will be for even smaller, more intimate performances, of 250 to 500 people.”
Akronites played an important role in the creation and design of the venue, according to Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition President and CEO Dan Rice.
Funding for the $17 million project was provided by the city of Akron via the American Rescue Plan Act, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation and additional organizations and individual donors.
Lock 3 winter activities
Ice skating is available for $10 per person, which includes skate rental. Skating is $5 for those who bring their own skates. The venue has small and large ice rinks, which can also be rented for private events. Those interested in renting the space can email [email protected] for more information.
Igloo rentals are $50 for a two-hour reservation and ice bumper cars are $12 for 10 minutes. To reserve igloos and ice bumper cars, visit Lock3Live.com.
Lock 3 visitors can purchase hot chocolate, adult beverages, food and more at the Lock Stop Cafe.
Winter hours are Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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