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City of Akron Available Farm Plot Packet

Due by March 15th, 2022

Purpose of this document:

The City of Akron, Ohio (the “City”) is requesting qualifications and proposals for businesses interested in utilizing City of Akron properties in Geauga County for agricultural purposes. The City owns nearly 20,000 acres of land in Portage and Geauga Counties, some of which is granted to local operators for agricultural operations. Land involved in this program has recently become available, and the City is looking for new operators on three separate farm plots located in Geauga County, Ohio.

More information here: FarmPacket PDF

City of Akron Completes Eckert Ditch Restoration Project

August 10, 2020 - The City of Akron is proud to announce the completion of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency 319 (h) grant funded restoration of Eckert Ditch, project # 17(h)EPA-17. The project was completed on July 31, 2020.

This nonpoint source implementation project was partially funded by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. The goal of this restoration project is to reduce flooding in the area through floodplain expansion, remove nuisance invasive species, and improve the quality of the onsite wetlands. Additionally, Eckert Ditch sinuosity will be restored via artificial structures designed to beneficially reuse water treatment residuals to sequester and remove phosphorus, a major contributor to potentially harmful algal blooms, before it enters into Lake Rockwell Reservoir, the drinking water supply for the City of Akron.

The project fact sheet can be found here.

EPA Finds Akron's Eckert Ditch Acquisition and Restoration Project "Environmentally Beneficial" and "Cost-Effective."

October 11, 2019 - The City of Akron seeks $776,500 in funding through Ohio EPA’s Water Resource Restoration Sponsor Program (WRRSP) to purchase and restore approximately 38 acres of land, including 32 acres of wetland and 1,350 linear feet of stream on a site located south of Dawley Road, west of State Route 14, east of Red Brush Road and north of Lovers Lane, in Ravenna Township, Portage County.

Click here for the Ohio EPA's Environmental Review of this project.

New and Familiar Operators Revitalize Recreation in the Upper Cuyahoga River Watershed on City of Akron Properties

Akron, Ohio, May 10, 2019 – Mayor Dan Horrigan and the City of Akron Water Bureau are pleased to announce a variety of recreational opportunities on Watershed Properties owned by the City of Akron.

Mogadore Reservoir:

Mogadore Marina, located at 2578 State Route 43 in Mogadore, under new management, is open from dawn to dusk Saturdays and Sundays through May, and then open seven days a week from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Mogadore Marina, under the management of Lifeboat Landings, Inc., will offer for rent canoes, kayaks, and johnboats, electric motors and batteries, and a variety of snacks, live bait, and beverages. Vessels can be rented hourly or for the day. Akron residents get 10% off the rental of a boat with proof of residency. There is a picnic area and shoreline fishing. Rent four boats and the fifth rental is free. More information can be found on the Marina’s Facebook page, or by calling the Marina at 330-628-3343.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife installed a new boat ramp and parking area at Mogadore Reservoir in 2018. Working in partnership with the City of Akron Water Bureau, this facility is located at the former campground area on Ticknor Road. While the Lansinger Road access area will remain open to foot traffic, all boat and vehicle access has been moved to the Tickner Road site. The Ticknor Road access site provides easier boat launching, better visibility, and parking for 20 vehicles. For more information please call the ODNR Wildlife District Three at 330-644-2293.

Upper Cuyahoga River:

Camp Hi continues to provide canoe and kayak rentals for trips down the Upper Cuyahoga River for their 53rd year running. They offer rentals, snacks and supplies, and also will portage personal canoes and kayaks for a small fee. They offer service on 15 miles through largely undeveloped forest, wetlands and marsh along the Upper Cuyahoga River with depths of four to five feet on average. Trips last from one to six hours, with four different trip options. For more information please visit their website at www.camphicanoe.com or call 330-569-7621.

Breakaway Excursions from Mantua offers canoe and kayak lessons, as well as rental options on the Upper Cuyahoga River, with trips from 2.5 miles up to 8.5 miles. They offer environmental stewardship discounts of 25% on the next rental when paddlers collect trash when paddling. For more information please visit their website at www.breakawayexcursions.com or call 440-773-2465.

LaDue Reservoir:

LaDue Reservoir Boathouse and Marina opens in May under new management by Breakaway Excursions. This will be Breakaway Excursions third location. The Boathouse is located at 17759 Valley Rd in Auburn. In May and September it will be open weekends only from 7:00am to 8:00pm. Memorial Day through Labor Day the boathouse will be open 7 days a week.

The Boathouse will also offer live bait, tackle, retail items, snacks, convenience items, and concessions for sale. There is a picnic area and shoreline fishing in approved areas around the boathouse. Akron residents will receive 10% off of select services with proof of residency. For more information please call the LaDue Marina at 440-773-2728 or visit www.breakawayexcursions.com.

LL Bean, through the Outdoor Discovery Program, offers canoe and kayaking lessons and group floats at LaDue Reservoir by reservation only. The program offers a variety of activities ranging from introductory lessons to guided sunset and moonlight kayak tours. More information and reservation information can be found at www.llbean.com/adventure.

East Branch Reservoir:

Geauga Park District offers rustic camping and kayak rental at Headwaters Park, located at East Branch Reservoir. This 926-acre park is part of a partnership between Geauga Park District and the City of Akron which allows for conservation of natural areas as well as enjoyment of recreation and outdoor education. It features five trails totaling 4.7 miles, with more than two miles of the statewide Buckeye Trail along the western shore of East Branch Reservoir. The eastern shore and all islands are designated preserves and only accessible during naturalist-led programs. A secondary entrance is located at 15055 Mayfield Road (Rt. 322).

In addition to camping and kayak rental, the rental of a newly constructed lodge is available by reservation and has both indoor and outdoor space available with electricity, a fire place, picnic tables and heat inside the lodge. For more information regarding rentals or reservations please visit their website at www.geaugaparkdistrict.org/park/headwaters-park/, or call 440-286-9516.