AKRON, Ohio — Akron is aiming to give children a new Friday night activity with its "Connect at the Rec" program which will run throughout the summer.

The program offers open gym, crafts, a live DJ, food, giveaways, hair care services, a mobile gaming truck, community speakers and more.


What You Need To Know

  • The initiative is aimed at teenagers between grades 6-12

  •  "Connect at the Rec" will run for five Fridays this summer

  • The program is free, but participants must register at the door

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The initiative is aimed at teenagers between grades 6-12 and will run for five Friday nights from 5 to 9 p.m. Each program will begin with an overview of expections and a brief keynote speaker before students join in any of the provided activities. Food service will begin at 7 p.m. 

Transportation to the centers must be arranged by parents/guardians.

“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.” 

Teenagers can meet at the Ed Davis Community Center, 730 Perkins Park Dr., or the Joy Park Community Center, 825 Fuller St. 

Akron Police and Akron Fire will be onsite to interact with youth. 

Connect at the Rec nights will be held:

  • June 27
  • July 11
  • July 18
  • Aug. 1
  • Aug. 8

The program is free, but participants must register at the door. Officials said participants can arrive and register until 6 p.m. when the doors will close for the rest of the program. Up to 200 students can be hosted at the Ed Davis Community Center, and the Joy Park Community Center can host up to 150.

The mayor’s office, City of Akron Recreation and Parks Department, Akron Police Department and Akron Fire Department partnered for the initiative, which is sponsored by Ron Marhofer who donated $3,000.