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City honors parks employee Melvin Blake with NFHS Ohio Service Award
Summary
The Parks & Recreation Committee unanimously approved a resolution recognizing city employee Melvin Blake as the 2026 NFHS Ohio Service Award recipient, with staff and councilmembers praising his leadership of tournament operations at Firestone Stadium.
The Parks & Recreation Committee on a voice vote adopted a resolution congratulating city employee Melvin Blake after he was named the recipient of the 2026 NFHS Ohio Service Award.
Mr. Lashley told the committee he and the administration were "very proud" of Blake's work and of the recognition the city had received. Service Director Chris Ludlow credited Blake with helping expand tournaments at Firestone Stadium after the installation of turf, saying the events now span more days and divisions and bring economic activity to Akron.
Recreation staff Britney Smoko and Lori Senevey joined councilmembers in thanking Blake for years of service to youth athletics. Council members including Lombardo, Hannah and Kammer described Blake as responsive and deeply involved with programming and field operations.
Blake thanked colleagues, noted the return of tournaments such as the G‑MAC and described recent regional participation, saying the stadium gives young athletes a memorable experience. The committee suspended the rules to adopt the recognition immediately.
The resolution and the suspension were handled by voice vote and the Parks & Recreation Committee adjourned to move to the next scheduled meetings.
