Innerbelt National Forest

In 2015, I led a 500 person community meal on the Innerbelt Freeway in Akron, Ohio and asked residents from all over the city what they wanted to see in the future of the space once it closed to automobile traffic. 87% of the participants wanted a space for connection and nature. In 2018, we created a temporary green public space on an adjacent section of the decommissioned freeway to test this idea and gain valuable insight for a potential permanent green public space on the freeway. The Innerbelt National Forest features 86 trees, trails, and events that seek to create a connection between the Downtown and West Hill neighborhoods and provide a shared space for residents to come together. The forest was activated for two months in August and September of 2018 and will help inform the long-term use of the Innerbelt Freeway. We are currently in discussion with the City of Akron to continue the life of the forest.

See more here.