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The ”’John Barker Spring House”’ (also called the ”’Barker Springhouse”’) is a public springhouse in [[Canton, Ohio]], where |
The ”’John Barker Spring House”’ (also called the ”’Barker Springhouse”’) is a public springhouse in [[Canton, Ohio]], where is provided free of charge to the public.<ref name=”Byer2017″ /><ref name=”Balint2015″>{{cite news |
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== History == |
== History == |
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water source a test well drilled by the Canton Waterworks/Water Department between 1924 and 1930.<ref name=”Balint2015″ /><ref name=”Byer2017″ /> A City of Canton publication describes the source as a 6-inch, 200-foot test well drilled in the 1920s by the Canton Water Department.<ref name=”CantonConnection2025″ /> |
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Accounts of the site’s early development describe it as beginning with a simple tap emerging from the hillside, with a structure later built and dedicated in memory of the Rev. John Barker of Calvary Presbyterian Church.<ref name=”Byer2017″ /><ref name=”Balint2015″ /> Canton Parks and Recreation states that the current springhouse structure was built in 1968 by Canton Park employees using donations made in Barker’s honor.<ref name=”CantonConnection2025″ /> |
Accounts of the site’s early development describe it as beginning with a simple tap emerging from the hillside, with a structure later built and dedicated in memory of the Rev. John Barker of Calvary Presbyterian Church.<ref name=”Byer2017″ /><ref name=”Balint2015″ /> Canton Parks and Recreation states that the current springhouse structure was built in 1968 by Canton Park employees using donations made in Barker’s honor.<ref name=”CantonConnection2025″ /> |
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== External links == |
== External links == |
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* [https://cantonparksandrec.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/The-Canton-Connection-Spring-2025.pdf ”The Canton Connection” (Spring 2025)] (PDF) |
* [https://cantonparksandrec.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/The-Canton-Connection-Spring-2025.pdf ”The Canton Connection” (Spring 2025)] (PDF) |
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[[Category:Buildings and structures in Canton, Ohio]] |
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[[Category:Water supply infrastructure in Ohio]] |
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[[Category:Tourist attractions in Stark County, Ohio]] |
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[[Category:1968 establishments in Ohio]] |
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Latest revision as of 18:01, 6 February 2026
Public springhouse and free drinking-water source in Canton, Ohio
The John Barker Spring House (also called the Barker Springhouse) is a public springhouse in Canton, Ohio, where drinking water is provided free of charge to the public.[2][3] The springhouse is located near Stadium Park along the Monument Road/Monument Drive NW corridor and is used by residents who fill jugs and other containers with drinking water.[2][3][1]
Local reporting has described the water source as originating from a test well drilled by the Canton Waterworks/Water Department between 1924 and 1930.[3][2] A City of Canton publication describes the source as a 6-inch, 200-foot test well drilled in the 1920s by the Canton Water Department.[1]
Accounts of the site’s early development describe it as beginning with a simple tap emerging from the hillside, with a structure later built and dedicated in memory of the Rev. John Barker of Calvary Presbyterian Church.[2][3] Canton Parks and Recreation states that the current springhouse structure was built in 1968 by Canton Park employees using donations made in Barker’s honor.[1]
Description and operation
[edit]
The springhouse features a row of faucets used for filling containers, and the water has been described as flowing continuously, 24 hours a day, with no charge.[3][2] A plaque at the springhouse was reported in 2015 as bearing Revelation 21:6, referring to giving water freely.[3]
Canton Parks and Recreation states that the spring water is regularly tested for safety by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.[1] A 2015 feature similarly reported that the well site was tested twice per year by the Ohio EPA.[3]
2017 reconstruction
[edit]
The springhouse closed in April 2017 after a plumbing break ahead of planned construction.[2] Canton Parks and Recreation reported that plumbing and an aging pump had become unreliable and that leaks were deteriorating structural support beams; the building was stripped to its foundation and rebuilt.[2] The rebuilt springhouse used a stone facade and metal roof in place of the prior brick-and-shingle exterior.[2]
The reconstruction was reported as a $96,900 project completed by Motter & Meadows Architects and the RG Smith Company, funded by park levy revenue and $40,000 from AEP and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.[2] The springhouse reopened in August 2017, and Canton Parks and Recreation indicated that a formal dedication would likely be scheduled in September.[2]
The springhouse is described as being located by Monument Road and 17th Street NW near Stadium Park, where visitors park nearby to fill containers.[2][3] City publications also describe it as a stop on the West Branch Trail of the Herbert L. Fisher Walking Track.[1]
