Seeing how art can transform people, spaces, and entire communities is fascinating. Having a creative vision to construct spaces, starting from scratch and turning them into places where the community can reflect on the past while emphasizing growth and evolution, can be reasonably challenging. 

We boldly claim that artists can naturally step into this role and provide various solutions to ongoing ultimatums of time and space.

Summit Metro Parks' architect, Dion Harris
During his early days as an artist, Dion Harris, the landscape architect for Summit Metro Parks, said he “wanted to be a car designer. That was initially what I wanted to do, but then I decided I wanted to do something that affects more people.”

In the changing landscape of Akron, we want to spotlight artist Dion Harris, a landscape architect with Summit Metro Parks.

Enthralled by his innovative design of the Sojourner Truth Legacy Plaza, Harris graciously allowed us to delve into his artistic journey. His experience as a landscape architect with respected design firms across the nation is evident in his work with Summit Metro Parks. 

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Harris said he finds immense satisfaction in his dual role as a designer and project manager, which allows him to witness the transformation of a project from its inception to its completion.

During his early days as a budding artist, Harris’ passion for drawing, particularly cars, was a constant in his life.

“I wanted to be a car designer. That was initially what I wanted to do, but then I decided I wanted to do something that affects more people.”

The Summit Lake Nature Center was designed by Dion Harris.
The Summit Lake Nature Center was designed by Dion Harris, the landscape architect for Summit Metro Parks. The facility opened in July 2021.

In 8th grade, he was introduced to the field of landscape architecture through a career preference assessment given by his English teacher. This pivotal moment led him to research all his interests — landscape architecture is what he liked. Harris eventually pursued a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture from Ohio State University and a master’s degree in urban planning and design and development from Cleveland State University. 

Harris’ transformative work can be seen in various community spaces, including the Summit Lake Nature Center, Himelright Lodge at the Valley View area of Cascade Valley Metro Park, Goodyear Heights Metro Park and the Cuyahoga Valley National Park’s north point access.

Currently, he is working on the Valley View River access project off Cuyahoga Street behind Himelright Lodge. His design aims to create inviting spaces for canoers, families, and nature enthusiasts to enjoy the natural setting along the Cuyahoga River, a testament to his commitment to enhancing community spaces.

“This whole park is a water quality filtration site.We take a lot of runoff from surrounding neighborhoods and streets, and it filters through this area  before it gets to the Cuyahoga River. This was a huge conservation project for Summit Metro Parks,” Harris said.

Today, his unique blend of artistic skills and education enables him to create landscapes that not only inspire relaxation and enjoyment but also leave a lasting, positive impact on  communities.

“As a landscape architect, I draw inspiration from my family and the people I meet,” Harris said. “Their stories and experiences shape my designs, making them more personal and meaningful.”

Dara Harper is a columnist for Signal Akron. She is a creative entrepreneur, artist and educator. She graduated from the University of Akron with a Master's in Curriculum & Instruction and a Bachelor's in Studio Art. As an artist, Dara has public art installed in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, downtown Cuyahoga Falls, and the West Side of Akron. Engaging the community and spaces through art is part of her purpose as an artist. Dara is uniquely driven to use art to advocate, create conversations and develop meaningful relationships that will positively impact her community. She is co-founder and lead of the Akron Black Artist Guild, winner of the 2021 Knight Arts Challenge. Dara Harper is listed with the Black Cube Collective for Black women abstract painters and actively serves on the Sojourner Truth Legacy Plaza Education Committee.

Diane L. Johnson is a columnist for Signal Akron. She is an Akron-based artist, co-founder of the Akron Black Artist Guild and retired administrative secretary from the Copley-Fairlawn City Schools. Her passion for art is second nature - she creates original paintings, drawings, and mixed media pieces. She also enjoys writing devotions and short stories and instructing workshops. Diane's artwork displays soulful acrylic paintings and illustrations showcasing her passion for modern abstract and impressionist inspirations. Her figurative works of women depict the simple joys of living.