City of Akron Hosting Connect at the Rec Program at Ed Davis and Joy Park Community Centers

Akron, Ohio, June 17, 2025  — The City of Akron is launching Connect at the Rec, a new initiative aimed at teens in grades 6-12 to provide recreational opportunities on five Friday nights from 5:00-9:00pm. Beginning Friday, June 27, teens can meet at the Ed Davis Community Center (730 Perkins Park Drive) or the Joy Park Community Center (825 Fuller Street) for open gym, arts and crafts, a live DJ, food, giveaways, hair care services, mobile gaming truck, community speakers and more. Akron Police and Akron Fire will be onsite at both locations to interact with youth. The goal of the program is to provide a safe and supportive environment for Akron’s kids this summer. 

Connect at the Rec Nights:  

June 27,  July 11,  July 18,  August 1,  August 8 

The program is free but registration at the door is required.  Participants can arrive and register until 6:00pm when the doors will close for the remainder of the programming.  The Ed Davis Community Center can host up to 200 students and Joy Park Community Center can host up to 150.  

The evening will begin with a quick overview of expectations and a brief keynote speaker.  Then, participants are welcome to join any of the activities provided.  Food service will begin at 7:00pm and food offerings will vary each program night.  The program ends at 9:00pm. Transportation to and from the center must be arranged by parents/guardians.  

The initiative is a collaboration between the Mayor’s Office, City of Akron Recreation and Parks Department, Akron Police Department, and Akron Fire Department.  Ron Marhofer is the event sponsor, donating $3,000 to support the program.  Many other community organizations will be involved with collaborations and partnerships for program nights including the Akron Urban League and Beyond Expectations Barber College.   

“We’re excited to launch the Connect at the Rec program to provide Akron’s young people with a safe, fun option for their Friday nights this summer,” said Akron Mayor Shammas Malik. “By providing our kids with somewhere to go to connect with their peers, enjoy their hobbies, and interact with community leaders, it keeps them engaged, safe, and having fun which is the goal for summertime! We encourage all Akron youth between grades 6-12 to come check out this unique opportunity.”