AKRON, Ohio — The city will honor late Councilman Rich Swirsky during an event to rename Highland Triangle Park in the heart of Ward 1 the “Rich Swirsky Memorial Park.” Akron City Council this week unanimously approved the move.
The event is set for 11 a.m. Saturday, April 30 in the park at the corner of North Highland and Edgerton avenues in Highland Square, the city said in a release.
Mayor Dan Horrigan will dedicate the park, and the Swirsky family will plant a white oak tree provided by Keep Akron Beautiful. Highland Square’s Angels Falls Coffee will provide coffee and pastries, the Rubber City Ukes will dedicate songs to the councilman and The Admirables will perform.
North Highland Avenue will be closed to traffic, and parking will be available on surrounding streets and at the Highland Square Branch library and Mustard Seed Market. Tents will be set up in case of rain and residents are encouraged to bring chairs, the city said.
Horrigan said the park dedication was the best way to honor Swirsky and his legacy in the Highland Square neighborhood, and invited the community to attend. The mayor referred to the councilman as an “active engaged and respected member of the Akron community.”
A lifelong Akron resident, Councilman Rick Swirsky was elected to council in 2013. (Photo courtesy of Swirsky family)
“Rich Swirsky was a once-in-a-generation leader and advocate, championing the causes of inclusivity, justice and neighborhood stability,” Horrigan said. “From championing the preservation of Highland Square’s historic and unique walkability and vibrancy, to relentlessly pushing our city to do more to protect our environment and green spaces as well as our most vulnerable neighbors, Rich exemplified what it means to be a true public servant.”
In a statement, the Swirsky family said Swirsky, a father and husband, was “inspirational” and “a force of nature.” The family thanked those who had assisted the councilman while he battled leukemia before passing in May 2021 at 68.
“He was a positive influence on the kids he coached, the students he taught and the residents he served,” the family said. “His passion overflowed into whatever project he was working on, and he poured that same passion into loving our family. We hope that his memory, spirit and legacy of public service lives on in the hearts of all he touched and all who come to learn his story.”
Swirsky was a lifelong Akron resident. He was elected to City Council in 2013 and re-elected twice, serving three neighborhoods — Highland Square, West Hill and downtown.
On City Council, Swirsky served as chair of the Public Utilities & Green Committee and vice chair of Housing & Neighborhood Assistance Committee. He was a member of the Planning & Economic Development, Public Service, and Public Safety committees. He was elected in January 2020 to serve as City Council President Pro-Tem.
“Councilman Swirsky was a devoted public servant who left a tremendous legacy of caring about people and the planet,” said City Council President Margo Sommerville. “This tribute is a fitting testament to the life Rich lived.”
Swirsky worked for Ohio Citizen Action for 20 years. He later earned a master’s degree in education at the University of Akron, and taught in the Akron Public Schools District and for Project Learn.
