Which tree to bark up?

Remember that Summit County Trails Forum I attended? I loved it! I loved every minute of it - except the last minute.

Like most events such as this, we ran over our time. 'Twas the end of an enlightening session titled Trail Development 101 - and I mean the absolute end, like "Ok,and if there are no other questions we'll wrap it up" - when a middle aged woman raised her hand and with a tone I can only describe as "somewhat miffed," she said (paraphrased to the best of my memory):

"I notice that we're only hearing from the richer communities here, like Bath, Richfield, and the like. And I notice that there isn't a whole lot of color here (as she looked around at all of us). What about the lower income areas? I live over by Summit Lake, essentially across from the projects. What about them? How do we give them the advantages of Summit Trails?"

silence...

collection of thoughts...

And then the speakers discussed their opinions on the matter, which is that the means to involving the lower income areas is Education. We need to provide these populations with reasons that the trails are useful (health, fitness, enjoyment of nature, vehicle-less travel, general recreation, etc.) and assist them in using the trails.

Furthermore, other points were noted:

1. Despite strong encouragement for OECC to build the towpath around the lower income area near Summit Lake, the towpath goes right through the center of it. The towpath is literally in the backyard of these apartment buildings and alongside the Summit Lake Community Center which is utilized by many residents of that area.

2. Several different types of people are on the trail everyday and this diversity has been increasing over the years. (My addition: I agree. I've seen different ages, races, apparent economic classes, etc. on the trail, especially in that area.)

3. The OECC, along with Cargill and PNC (for 2012) hosts an annual Fishing Derby, specifically designed to bring local kids to the outdoors that would not normally have been exposed to the gifts of nature. These kids are taken out for a day of fishing and learning about our trails and parks.

Now, having said all that, my question is: Was this forum to right tree to bark up? I feel like this complaint could be better addressed somewhere else... but where?

In what other ways could we bring our beloved trails and parks to our entire community? Will Phase II, the project to connect all parts of the county to the towpath, be instrumental in this aspect? Will it be enough?

Some other ideas I have:

1. Programs similar to Girls on the Run, directed at inner city children, focusing on trail running.
2. A community walking program, enlisting first the teachers and professionals in the area. Their benefit and enthusiasm could inspire others.
3. What if Lebron James' famous Wheels for Education included a portion of the towpath (it's right there by the Aeros stadium) and some information showing the participants what the trails can do for them?

Hmmm... I wonder how I can make some/all of these things happen...

Why complain if you when you can DO? Why ask "Why haven't you...?" when instead you can ask "How can we help...?" The tree you should bark up is your own!

This is your city Akron. Love where you Live! If you don't, let's fix it!

The floating portion of the towpath over Summit Lake. The area in the distance is the one addressed above. Photo from here.