As the sun rises over Akron, Ohio, the Valley View area of Cascade Valley Metro Park comes alive with the quiet energy of early morning runners, cyclists and nature enthusiasts. Just a year after its public opening on July 30, 2024, the trails here have become a cherished part of the community’s daily rhythm.

The transformation of this land is nothing short of remarkable.

A vital element of Valley View’s transformation has been the support of community partners. The FirstEnergy Foundation played a pivotal role, providing a $20,000 grant that helped make the trails accessible to the public and foster new opportunities for recreation, education and environmental stewardship.

Community Investment and Regional Connectivity

Formerly the Valley View Golf Club, the 200-acre property was acquired by Summit Metro Parks in 2016 and carefully restored with support from partners like the FirstEnergy Foundation. Today, it features thriving wetlands, meadows, forests and about two miles of trails, including the Missing Link Trail, which unites 1,800 acres of green space across Cascade Valley, Gorge and Sand Run Metro Parks.

Valley View now serves as a vital link in a broader network, connecting to the 100-mile Ohio and Erie Canalway Towpath Trail, a 125-mile regional trail system and the 88-mile Cuyahoga River Water Trail – making it a hub for outdoor recreation and a model of sustainable urban planning.

A major achievement is the restoration of nearly one mile of the Cuyahoga River – 25 acres of wetlands and 2,500 feet of new stream channels have been created, bringing back native wildlife and improving water quality.

Infrastructure That Supports Nature and Service

Infrastructure enhancements by American Transmission Systems, Inc. (ATSI), a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Transmission, also have supported the park’s transformation. In 2019, ATSI replaced an older lattice tower at risk from stream erosion with a steel pole on a concrete foundation. The work helped maintain reliable electric service for thousands of customers in the Akron area and created a permanent recreational trail that provides both public recreation access and maintenance access for ATSI personnel.

“One year in, Valley View reflects what’s possible when community and corporate investment come together,” said Torrence Hinton, President, Ohio. “We’re proud to support this transformation of enhancing public access, protecting the environment and ensuring reliable electric service for our customers.”

Driving Environmental Progress, Community Development and Grid Reliability

FirstEnergy has a history of deeply committing to environmental stewardship in northeast Ohio, supporting projects that restore habitats, improve water quality and expand public access to nature. A recent example is our $10 million contribution to the Gorge Dam removal, a major step toward revitalizing the Cuyahoga River.