Lock 2 brightened up and ready for visitors
People have been working to improve Lock 2, which is one of 19 locks in the Akron area, and its new look is now set to be celebrated.
Built during the 1820s and 1830s, the Ohio and Erie Canal linked Akron with the Cuyahoga River near the spot where the river empties into Lake Erie. Long out of use, the canal is now under the auspices of the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition, which is working to repurpose parts of the structure.
Seating has been placed inside a metal sculpture the size and shape of the old canal boats, and a ‘Little Free Library’ is located at the bow. People can take and return books as they like from these tiny libraries.
Steel mesh arches have been installed above the boat to provide shade, and there are benches located along the edges of the canal and the Towpath Trail. Lights wrap around the trees, steps have been painted in pastels, and wind chimes and streamers hang from the branches. The colors used and the music of the chimes make Lock 2 a treat for the eye and ear.
The Coalition has already held several gatherings at the lock, but is now planning a larger celebration. Everyone is invited to come to Lock 2 from 6:00 until 9:00 pm on Friday, September 8. The free event is open to the public.
Events like this can be enhanced if organizers create brochures that discuss the history of the site.
Built during the 1820s and 1830s, the Ohio and Erie Canal linked Akron with the Cuyahoga River near the spot where the river empties into Lake Erie. Long out of use, the canal is now under the auspices of the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition, which is working to repurpose parts of the structure.
Seating has been placed inside a metal sculpture the size and shape of the old canal boats, and a ‘Little Free Library’ is located at the bow. People can take and return books as they like from these tiny libraries.
Steel mesh arches have been installed above the boat to provide shade, and there are benches located along the edges of the canal and the Towpath Trail. Lights wrap around the trees, steps have been painted in pastels, and wind chimes and streamers hang from the branches. The colors used and the music of the chimes make Lock 2 a treat for the eye and ear.
The Coalition has already held several gatherings at the lock, but is now planning a larger celebration. Everyone is invited to come to Lock 2 from 6:00 until 9:00 pm on Friday, September 8. The free event is open to the public.
Events like this can be enhanced if organizers create brochures that discuss the history of the site.