Parks committee advances Tom Todd contract for Creative Akron summer program serving about 100 middle-schoolers

The Akron Parks and Recreation Committee on Thursday recommended a contract allowing Tom Todd Ideas Inc. to operate the Creative Akron summer program in 2025, a program manager told the committee.

Joel Harris of Tom Todd Ideas Inc. said the organization is entering its sixth year partnering with the city to provide project-based programming for middle-school students. The 2025 schedule will expand to four sessions held at Summit Lake, Patterson Park, Firestone Park and the Ellicott Community Center. Harris said some sessions run across two weeks (seven total days: four the first week, three the second) and some sessions run four days in one week.

Harris said each session has capacity for about 25 campers, for roughly 100 total spots across the four sessions. Hours will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the program includes on-site and off-site activities; the organization said it does not provide daily transportation to camp but arranges transportation for community visits and coordinates with families about needs.

Committee members asked about outreach and follow-up with Akron Public Schools and other local partners. Harris said Tom Todd works with Akron Public Schools, United Way partners, Summit Education Initiative and local youth organizations, and that past projects have produced community outcomes—he cited a continuing project called “Pinin’ it Akron” and examples of student-created neighborhood materials.

Committee members gave the contract a favorable report and placed it on the consent agenda. The committee’s motion for a favorable report was seconded and approved by voice vote; no roll-call was recorded in the committee minutes.

Ending: The Parks and Recreation Committee recommended the contract be advanced on consent. Staff and Tom Todd representatives said they will continue coordinating sites, schedules and outreach to fill program slots.