akron parks collaborative

Speaker: Elaine Marsh

Date & Time: March 18, 2026 @ 7pm

​Location:
Goodyear Heights Lodge - East Room
Goodyear Heights Metro Park
2077 Newton Street
Akron OH 44305

Abstract:
Join us to learn about how neighborhood residents, schools and other stakeholders are co-designing their parks for more vibrant, wild, and connected communities. You will learn about the work being done across Akron to improve our parks, including a broad overview of our Nature in our Neighborhood program, which supports the creation of native plant areas for improved wildlife habitat. We'll also spotlight a special project at Boss Park in the University Park neighborhood. Located next to Leggett CLC elementary school, the park was upgraded in 2023 with a new meadow designed to attract birds and other wildlife. Inspired by Trish O'Kane's book Birding to Change the World, the University of Akron partnered with Leggett CLC to pair college students with elementary students — mentoring them and exploring the birds living right in their own backyard.

Biography:
Bridget is the founding Executive Director for Akron Parks Collaborative, where she works in partnership with the City of Akron to revitalize neighborhood parks with community engagement and equity as core guiding principles. Since 2018, she has managed big and small transformations of 24 parks, and has leveraged $3.8 million of City funds with an additional $1.5 million in private funds and grants. Previously, Bridget was Executive Director of Friends of Metro Parks from 2011 to 2022, the Director of Volunteer Programs with the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park from 2008 to 2011 and Executive Director of Cascade Locks Park Association from 2001 to 2008. She has served on the boards of Spring Garden Waldorf School, Torchbearers and Rotary Camp. 


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