Acorn Alley — Local services in Kent

I literally grew up here and got to watch the city flourish into what it is today. Although it doesn't look much like it once did.. It is so much better now. For example Acorn Alley here is a beaming example of good decisions especially architecturally. I really hope to see more of this type of hybrid green / commercial space idealism spread further into the downtown district. The Dan Smith Community park is so freaking cool. My only gripe is that they put that unsightly parking lot at that end there that runs along 59. It would have done so much better as a parking deck, and would look soooo much better. Not too mention another parking deck somewhere too. Perhaps the parking lot behind the Theater, Defiance Tattoo and Old Huntington? Then imagine being able to utilize the old alley that runs beside the theater? Could Acorn Alley make its way through there too? It wouldn't be completely straight but it would come out right at that parking lot if it could go all the way through. If so, Acorn Alley would effectively go all the way through the middle of the Downtown district and offer parking on both sides? Sounds like...

We all remember the disastrous running of the bull in Acorn Alley, but can't they bring back the Acorn Alley Dash ™? It was a crowd pleaser during Kent's Festivus in July celebration. The wing eating contest hosted by BW3, Ray's, Panini's and Gyro was a hilarious mess to watch. My personal favorite was the full contact tug of war. Seeing teams pull side by side with the rope looped around a big pulley on the top of the parking deck while they "interfere" with each other's efforts...priceless! Ambulances on standby was...

Quaint shopping alleyway through downtown Kent. Mix of food shops (a cheesemonger, a pita place, a grilled cheese place) and retail shops (a stationary/writing store, a toy/novelty store, a jewelry store) intermingled among Kent's already eclectic downtown scene.

Great for window shopping or meeting friends for lunch or socializing. There's a small community park nearby, as well as a used book store, an organic foods co-op, and some small, upscale shops.

EDIT 12/10: The pita place is a really delicious...