Nearly a year in the making, Mayor Shammas Malik’s office on Tuesday released 16 potential replacements for the current City of Akron logo.
The city’s logo redesign process was announced by Malik last December with the intention of unveiling the replacement of the current “rubberworker” logo at the Akron Bicentennial closing ceremony on Dec. 6. The soon-to-be defunct rubberworker logo was created in 2023. The city’s official seal will stay the same.
In April, the City of Akron and the Akron Bicentennial Committee announced a request for proposals from design firms, named a design subcommittee and released a survey intended to gather input from residents. The initial 16 potential replacements unveiled this week represent four versions of four different logos.
“We’ve analyzed the survey results, held more in-depth conversations with residents and artists, and invited Akron’s kids to draw their own designs! Today, we are presenting 4 initial concepts for your consideration,” the mayor’s office said in a social media post.
The total cost of the logo redesign process will not exceed $50,000, Malik said. That includes the costs for engagement, design and initial production.
The social media post said colors will be added to the logos and other design tweaks are likely.
Here are the four concepts, along with descriptions of each provided by the city.
Akron logo concept one
This design is a modern evolution of one of Akron’s previous city logos, reimagined 60 years after it was originally introduced, as the city celebrates its bicentennial.
It reflects Akron’s deep respect for its past and its ongoing commitment to growth and progress.
At its center, the tree symbolizes our strength and resilience, its roots representing the generations of families who have built their lives here, and the arrow forming its trunk pointing upward toward Akron’s continued rise.
Two A’s within the design are a nod to the city’s name and unique topography. “Akron,” meaning “summit” or “high point,” is symbolized by the upper A, while the inverted A below acknowledges the valleys that also shape our landscape.
Optional variations of this concept include a ring of ten triangles, representing Akron’s ten wards and echoing sun motifs from our Native American heritage, or a subtle water element that honors the Ohio & Erie Canal, which shaped our growth and is still woven through our city today.
Akron logo concept two
This concept draws inspiration from Akron’s abundant green spaces and the natural beauty found throughout its 160 city-managed parks. It uses organic imagery of a tree and flowing water to represent the city’s harmony with nature and the physical, mental, and environmental benefits it provides to residents.
These elements reflect Akron’s enduring connection to the outdoors and the role nature plays in shaping its identity. An optional border can be incorporated to echo the form of a tire, an homage to the city’s rich rubber heritage and its lasting impact on Akron’s story.
Akron logo concept three
One of Akron’s defining characteristics is its identity as a “city in a park.” Inspired by traditional park-style patches, this concept highlights the outdoor beauty and landmarks that make Akron unique.
It features bold, clear icons that symbolize our city’s most prominent elements, such as the skyline or trees to represent our parks, the Ohio & Erie Canal, and a blimp soaring overhead, an enduring emblem of Akron seen and cherished by residents and visitors alike. Together, these symbols capture the balance between urban vitality and natural serenity that defines life in Akron.
Akron logo concept four
This concept features a great blue heron, a powerful symbol deeply connected to Akron’s parks, waterways, and Native American heritage. In many traditions, the heron embodies patience, wisdom and good fortune, qualities that mirror Akron’s spirit of resilience.
Here, the heron serves as a guardian figure, soaring above and framing the city below. The ten feathers on its wing represent Akron’s ten wards, while beneath it, a scene showcases the skyline, a blimp, the Ohio & Erie Canal, and trees, each element working together to celebrate the natural and cultural landmarks that define our community.