Innerbelt National Forest
YEAR: 2018
FIRM: LOCI
TYPE: Temporary
LOCATION: Akron, OH USA
COLLABORATORS: Knight Foundation, City of Akron, Ohio Erie Canalway, Summit Lake Build Corps
_Description
The Innerbelt National Forest started as a $250k grant from the Knight Foundation to create a temporary forest on a decommissioned freeway in Akron, Ohio. I collaboratively designed and built the forest in the Summer of 2018 through engaging community input and participation at all stages. The 3-month-long installation sought to demonstrate the acceptability and feasibility of reclaiming the closed highway to meet community members’ expressed need for a green space to connect with each other and nature. The project was an overwhelming success, with 100% of visitors reporting they wanted the space to become permanent. As a result, the City of Akron is currently transitioning the temporary space into a lasting part of the city’s landscape.
_Key Features
+ 90 native trees
+ An outdoor education workshop
+ A performance stage
+ A museum built by local youth to display the freeway’s contested history
+ A kid’s construction zone
+ An observation deck
+ Bike racks and more!
_Press
”Akron’s Innerbelt National Forest Opens”, Cleveland.com
”Around Akron Blue and Green” Video , PBS
”Innerbelt Popup Forest Next to Underused Akron Highway Hopes to Grow Ideas” , WKYC
”Innerbelt National Forest” , Ohio Wanderlust
”Innerbelt National Forest Now Open to Public in Downtown Akron” , WKSU
“The Innerbelt Is Here to Stay” ,The Devil’s Trip