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City advances proposed land swap with schools to create parkland, redevelopment options and time to plan for Dogwood pool
Summary
Council committee moved a proposed land‑swap ordinance that would transfer Dogwood Pool property to the school district (leased back to the city for $1/year through 2030) and give the city about 20.18 acres adjacent to Witmer and Arrowhead parks for potential recreation, housing and redevelopment.
City officials told the North Canton City Council community and economic development committee they are pursuing a land exchange with North Canton City Schools that officials say could reshape park, recreation and redevelopment opportunities adjacent to existing city parks.
Catherine Herrin Molnar, the city administrator, described the exchange as an opportunity to trade parcels so each public entity holds land better suited to its long‑term needs. Under the proposal the school district would receive the Dogwood Pool property (about 4.56 acres) and the city would receive roughly 20.18 acres made up of middle‑school and Orchard Hill parcels abutting Witmer Park and the Arrowhead Golf Course.
The agreement would not be a purchase; city staff emphasized no cash changes hands. The school would demolish the existing middle school at no cost to the city, and the city would obtain additional right‑of‑way or easements on 7th Street while planning to complete public improvements to improve traffic circulation. The school has agreed to lease the Dogwood pool grounds back to the city for $1 a year through 2030, staff said, which city leaders said gives time to pursue public engagement, grants, sponsorships and a funding strategy for a municipal pool.
School superintendent Tim Walker told the committee the district supports collaboration and noted much of demolition and building work is eligible for state funding; he said roughly 84% of the demolition cost would be state‑funded under the district’s plan.
City staff pointed to near‑term benefits: additional parkland adjacent to Witmer Park (about 14.13 acres) and Orchard Hill (about 6.05 acres) that could be used for recreation, future housing or redevelopment that would expand the tax base. They also said the swap would create more time for a deliberate plan for Dogwood pool rather than a reactive response if the aging 55‑year‑old facility fails.
What’s next: staff said the ordinance would go through three city readings (committee listed dates for upcoming readings) and the school board planned a July meeting to consider the district side. Committee members expressed broad support and moved item 4A to the council agenda for full consideration.
City leaders urged public engagement during the three readings and during the parks master‑plan presentation scheduled with consultants in the coming weeks.
