Jane's Walk Two

On Saturday afternoon I went on my second Jane's Walk - this time Kenmore - led by Greg Burke and Nolan James. Greg is a lifelong Kenmore resident and we joked that he made it the, "Kenmore Dad Joke Comedy Tour". Great leaders and neighborhood champions - not to mention the other longtime residents who showed up and could answer any question about Kenmore history you had. This "walk" was a little different as we took a trolley around the area and then would get off and stroll. This was a Jane's Walk that truly changed my perception of an area of the city. Yes, Kenmore has its challenges, but it is not that place that many believe it is. I really thought that parts of Summit Lake were a no go zone - they turned out to be one of the most beautiful parts of Akron.

Tina social media-ing and Jessica smiling.

"More info than you can shake a stick at"

On the site of the former "Young's Restaurant". It was a bummer this historic building couldn't be saved - but full effort was put into trying.

Why go on a walking tour - because of the people! Kaley, Karlo, and Nolan in the center of the image.

I just rode this section of the Towpath last Wednesday. Such a cool area along the Canal. Nolan and Greg leading.

The beginning of The Portage Path. The Portage Path was the trail the Indians used to carry(portage) their canoes between the Cuyahoga and Tuscarawas Rivers. Nolan was describing how the statue here(and the one in the Merriman Valley) were sculpted by a Native American artist and that they were some of the more realistic depictions of the indigenous people of our region.

We earned this beautiful weekend.

Such a beautiful backdrop - Summit Lake - such an under-utilized space.

Talking about "Summit Beach Park" which was an amusement park on the other side of the Lake. It had one the worlds first roller coasters. Later it was just a swimming hole - the area went down hill when the lake became too polluted from the rubber companies - it was actually fenced off to keep people out. Dredging the lake would be cost prohibitive - but it is still such a beautiful spot - it should be made more useful green space.

The abandoned school will soon be torn down - this spot is so ripe for redevelopment!

"Karlo Shoots"

I had no idea this view existed. "...and people ask me why I live in Kenmore" - Nolan James

We ended up at Old 97 - a restaurant/bar I will surely return to.
Tina, Kaley and Jess enjoying a drink on the patio.

Five second exposure inside Old 97.
I've learned so much and had so much fun on these walks. If this looks a little interesting to you check out the Akron2Akron walks - they are an ongoing thing and totally worth your time. I have a few more Jane's Walks posts coming - what a great weekend.