Gateway Communities
Preserve the Valley applauds the recent decisions by the City of Akron, the City of Cuyahoga Falls, and the Village of Peninsula to designate their communities as Cuyahoga Valley National Park Gateway Communities in order to enhance cooperation with the parks and increase our region's potential as a tourism destination.
What is a National Park Gateway Community?
According to the National Parks Conservation Association, a Gateway Community is a place near a national park that "preserve[s] community character, promote[s] park and community health, and stimulate[s] the local economy." As entry and exit points for National Parks, these communities play a key role. However, they also require careful and cooperative planning to avoid the problems of overdevelopment, which can impact the lives of residents and the health of the park itself.​​
What makes a Gateway Community?
Gateway Communities — such as the Merriman Valley — have the following attributes. ​
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Serve as recreation portals to public lands and parks
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Serve as economic and tourism driver
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Provide stewardship and protection of natural assets
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Provide opportunities for creative partnerships
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Foster a green economy and environmental ethic
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Have a long-term vision and plan that reflects com-
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munity interests, diversity, and involvement
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Emphasizes a year-round quality of life for all
Want to learn more?
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Watch this informational video sponsored by the National Park Service and Conservation Fund.​
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Check out this link to information on the Gateway Community concept & download a sourcebook guide.
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Listen to a radio interview with officials from Akron, Peninsula, and the CVNP on The Sound of Ideas (November 3, 2022).​
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Read the informational brochure we created below.