Despite housing a large university, downtown Akron has not been a strong attraction site for the past two decades. “I would never feel safe walking around the streets alone in Akron," visitor, Dianne Kolotti said. "I usually parked near the location I was going and left as fast as I entered. I always heard about a high rate of crime in the area.” Not only has safety been an issue, but cleanliness was as well.
“I always saw trash in the streets and garbage dumped in random places. I was too embarrassed to ever take friends to the downtown area," said resident, Fred Mathews.
The University of Akron, located in the heart of downtown, was known mostly as a commuter college. Students did not feel safe living near the campus. Overall, the campus and residents did not feel a sense of community in the town.
Twelve years ago, a group of city officials, business partners, local volunteers and residents decided it was time for a drastic change. They outlined steps to bring a sense of community to Akron. The Downtown Akron Partnership (DAP) is a non-profit organization focusing on building and promoting a vibrant and valuable Downtown. The Downtown Akron Parternship is dedicated to bringing people, activity, business and a thriving civic life to the heart of Akron. Through strategic marketing and management of the Downtown Akron Parternership's resources, they are working to promote the downtown Akron area as a gathering place in the center of their community. This organization did not form over night. It took many years to truly understand the changes that needed to be made to bring life and energy back into Akron. Trial and error was one of the ways the partnership improved upon actions and initiatives. The Downtown Akron Partnership is funded by a private, not-for-profit organization called the Downtown Akron Special Improvement District, Inc. (SID). Through this district, property owners come together to share ideas on ways to improve and promote the city so all of the businesses and organizations will benefit.
The recent initiatives the Downtown Akron Partnership has performed successfully are the annual “First Night Akron” event, which brings families into the downtown community on New Year’s Eve to provide a multitude of activities that showcase local businesses and attractions. Also, the annual Akron Road Runner
Akron Marathon is attended by over 10,000 people each year. The marathon kicks off in front of one of the most historic churches in Akron, St. Bernard-St. Mary, formally known as St. Bernards (left), and runs through local neighborhoods and community parks. Other programs include: Summer Concert Series at the Lock 3 Park, Downtown Beautification Project, and the Green and Clean program. The Downtown Akron Partnership employees are the biggest advocates for this intitiave in an attempt to create community.
"We view our Akron residents and visitors as customers coming to our shop on a daily basis," Operations Manager, Wayne Weese said. "Our top priority is to ensure them the best level of customer service as they experience downtown Akron."
The University of Akron has also caught on to the community trend by recently purchasing vacant buildings in the area and utilizing extra funding for student housing and student-friendly store fronts. Akron's best kept secrets exist directly in the center of the downtown area awaiting to be discovered. Some of the scenic treasures include: The Akron Art Museum, Akron Zoo, Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, Quaker Square, The Bridgestone Firestone Tire Plant (pictured in side panel) and The National Inventor's Hall of Fame. (pictured below)
Overall, the impact the Downtown Akron Partnership was
inspired by the people living in Akron and working to bring life back into the area. Community is finally present in downtown Akron as a direct result of proactive communication, strength in numbers and willful hearts. 
