Gardens

Contact Us

The Canton Garden Center
1615 Stadium Park NW
Canton, OH 44718-3517

(330) 455- 6172

Hours:
Tuesday to Friday
10AM to 4PM
(Second Floor)

Canton Garden Center History

Through the vision and inspiration of the Founder and 1st President, the late Mrs. Helen D. Pumphery, a meeting was called January 30, 1946 for the purpose of establishing a Garden Center. The Canton Art Institute, then located in the Case Mansion on North Market Street granted them space for their meetings.
The Garden Center started with four Garden clubs. The Canton Sorosis Garden Club, The Canton Garden Club, The YMCA Evening Garden Club, and The Town Garden Club. The first officers were: Mrs. Pumphrey, President; Mrs. Paul Irwin, Secretary; and Mrs. Ralph D. Smith, Treasurer.
The Garden Center moved in 1950 to the Harter Estate in what was fondly known as, 'The Little Wash House". In 1956 the Garden Center moved to their permanent home in part of Stadium Park.
Fifty-two ladies have served the Garden Center as President in its 60 years of existence. "Knowing, Growing, Showing, Sharing and Serving", is the theme for all the dedicated women and men who have volunteered their talents and energy to the Garden Center.

Stadium Park History

Mr. Clyde Godfuss and the Canton Brick & Fireproofing Company donated 26.7 acres to the Canton Park system in 1935. This land became known as Stadium Park.
Originally the park department planned to build an indoor shelter. The Timken Family then donated an l8 acre track of land and the Timken Foundation gave a gift of $35,000. At that time, the Timken family designated the land be used for the home of the Canton Garden Center. Area garden clubs donated over $6,000 toward the construction of the building.
Mr. Carl Weis, Superintendent of the park department, continued to collect donations for this project. In 1955, the Canton Garden Center was completed. The building was erected over the former outdoor swimming pool. Using Park Department labor for the construction, the total cost of the building was estimated at $60,000.
In 1961, The Canton Park Department leased the Football Hall of Fame two parcels of land for the building and parking lots on a 99-year lease.
The Kennedy Fountain was dedicated in 1966 in memory of John F. Kennedy. It is located directly in front of the Garden Center Building. Built with contributions from the citizens and school children of Canton
In 1972-73, a 2-story addition was added to the Garden Center and funded by it's members. The Park Department has continually improved the park system. Flowers and spring bulbs dot the park.
A walking track was completed in Stadium Park in 1986. The walking track was made possible by a community effort, spearheaded by the Canton Jaycee's.
The latest improvement is the Christmas Light display begun in 1999 with new displays constructed every year by park employees.

The Garden of the Five Senses
The Garden of the Five Senses was dedicated in 1979. The garden contains 5 raised beds. (1) Touch (2) Smell (3) Sight (4) Taste and (5) Sound.

Children's Garden
Started in 2004 by funding from partnership between garden clubs, area citizens, and grant money from the City of Canton.

The Wildflower Garden
A natural, woodsy setting of wildflowers.
Contributions are accepted for beautification of the Garden Center grounds.