The community of Akron is set to celebrate the grand reopening of the Ed Davis Community Center earlier than initially planned, with city officials moving the event to December 3 at 5:30 pm to ensure the presence of key guests. Acknowledging the significance of community space and its revitalization, Akron Mayor Shammas Malik emphasized the collective anticipation, stating "We’re excited to open the doors to this newly renovated facility for our community to enjoy," and noting the near $12 million poured into the project which promises fresh amenities including a gymnasium, an indoor walking track, and a space dedicated to teens, according to the City of Akron's official announcement.
With this unexpected schedule change, the event now coincides with appearances by members of the Davis and Rowland families, notable figures in the city's history for whom the center stands as a testament to their remarkable contributions. The Davis family is known for its political and civic influence, particularly that of Ed Davis, a machinist turned politician and the first Black President of Akron City Council. In contrast, Jerry Rowland devoted nearly 45 years to youth sports and community enrichment in Akron, leaving behind legacies pulled from the annals of Buchtel High School's storied past, including a trail of three-time city series scoring championships and his 2013 Hall of Fame induction.
The grand reopening event is not just a ribbon-cutting ceremony; it serves as a bridge to the past and a forward leap into the future of Akron's community infrastructure. It is set to embark with speeches from notables such as Mayor Malik and City Council President Margo Sommerville, both scheduled to commemorate the center's new lifeblood alongside representatives from the Davis and Rowland families, highlighting their ancestors' indelible marks on the fabric of Akron.
