The Akron Cleveland Association of REALTORS® (ACAR) is pleased to announce the three recipients of the 2026 Placemaking Grant Program. The placemaking grant allows ACAR to partner with community organizations across Cuyahoga, Portage, and Summit Counties to plan, implement, and maintain lighter, quicker, and more cost-effective placemaking projects that strengthen neighborhoods and enhance public spaces.
ACAR has awarded a $5,000 placemaking grant to the City of Barberton to support the revitalization of the Purple Parking Lot in Downtown Barberton. The project will transform an underutilized parking area into a vibrant, multi-use public space that serves as a gathering place for community events and local activity.
Grant funds will be used to improve site accessibility and safety through new lighting, landscaping, and pedestrian-friendly features. The project will also introduce seating, public art, and flexible space for farmers’ markets, food truck events, and community programming. ACAR will partner with the City of Barberton and Main Street Barberton, which will oversee implementation and long-term maintenance.
A second $5,000 placemaking grant has been awarded to Shalersville Township to support improvements at Shalersville Park, a well-used community space located at the intersection of State Routes 44 and 303. The project will enhance the park’s role as a community gathering destination through the addition of a solar-lit U.S. flag display, new benches, landscaping, and site enhancements that promote accessibility and community use.
Funding will support the creation of a new Veterans’ Point within the park, as well as improvements that encourage public gatherings, recreation, and community events. ACAR will partner with Shalersville Township and local volunteers on the project.
Nationwide, the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) offers Placemaking grants to state and local REALTOR® associations to support the development of public gathering spaces that strengthen community connections. For 2025, ACAR secured a $7,500 NAR placemaking grant to support improvements at Noble-Roanoke Park in Cleveland Heights.
Funding will be used to install new gateway features, improve walkways, enhance landscaping, and add amenities that make the park more accessible and welcoming to residents and visitors. The project will also include new seating, lighting infrastructure, and beautification efforts designed to strengthen the park’s role as a neighborhood gathering space. ACAR will partner with the City of Cleveland Heights on the project.
To learn more about ACAR’s Placemaking Program, contact Yariel Camacho at ycamacho@akronclevelandrealtors.com or visit www.akronclevelandrealtors.com.
