Council committee advances plan to add outdoor exercise equipment at Hines Hillcrest Park

The Parks and Recreation Committee voted to advance an ordinance authorizing the mayor or his designee to enter into contracts for Firestone Park improvements, including installation of new outdoor exercise equipment at Hines Hillcrest Park. The project is included in the 2025 capital budget with $75,000 allocated for Firestone Park improvements.

Jim Ashley, city staff presenting the item, said the installations are intended to “support overall health and wellness to Firestone Park residents” and described the equipment as designed to build “endurance, strength, stabilize core, aerobics, flexibility, and balance.” Ashley listed the four existing Akron parks with outdoor fitness equipment — Elizabeth Park, Stoner Hawkins Park, Ohio & Erie Canal Park and Lions Park — and said this would be a new outdoor fitness installation.

A council sponsor described a longer-term vision for Hines Hillcrest Park, saying work on a walking path began in 2016 and that recent additions completed the circuit. The sponsor said they want the fitness installation to include some ADA-accessible equipment and that the project was moved from an earlier capital plan for a Firestone Park pickleball court so Hines Hillcrest could receive earlier improvements.

Councilwoman Boyce asked whether the installation is part of the Akron Parks Challenge; Ashley replied it is not, and that the project was advanced in coordination with the council sponsor. After a motion to suspend the rules and issue a favorable report, the committee chair called the vote and the motion passed with all voting in favor.

The ordinance will move forward for consideration by the full council; committee members and staff said they expect contracting to follow the normal bidding or quote process specified in the ordinance.