Community Spotlight: Onetime popular summer resort still destination for water lovers

Like most Ohio townships, Springfield started out as a perfect square, 5 miles by 5 miles, when it was plotted in 1806. But a couple of centuries reduced it to just over half its original size.

The city of Akron took a big bite out of the northwest corner. The village of Mogadore formed from the northeast corner, straddling the Summit and Portage county lines. And Lakemore declared its independence in 1921.

More than a century ago, the area became a popular summer resort due to its scenic lakes, an amusement park, steamboat cruises and summer cottages built by city dwellers. Springfield Lake and Mogadore Reservoir still remain a destination for water lovers.

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Location

In southeast Summit County and bordered by Tallmadge, Green, Akron and the townships of Brimfield, Suffield, Lake and Coventry.

Highlights

The former Springfield Lake Park was built in the early 1900s and featured a merry-go-round, dodgem cars and a roller coaster that extended over the lake. There was a dance hall that featured big name bands like Guy Lombardo and Vaughn Monroe. Street cars brought in visitors from all over Northeast Ohio. Attendance declined during the Great Depression and after a roller coaster accident that injured 13 riders.

Lakemore grew from small summer cottages that people built to take advantage of the lake’s amenities in warm months. They were inhabited by many of the Rubber City elite from Akron.

For decades, the region’s tuberculosis patients were served by Edwin Shaw Hospital, originally known as the Springfield Lake Sanatorium, which opened in 1915. The complex later became an orphanage, was used for addiction treatment, and then a hospital in-patient rehabilitation center. It was demolished in 2017.

Mogadore’s population doubled in the 1920s. By 1931, when its population reached 1,600, it boasted the largest payroll of any village in Ohio and shipped more rail freight than any community its size. Mogadore’s plants manufactured tires, tools, brick, tile and sewer pipe.

Attractions

Please note: As the area recovers from the COVID pandemic, many businesses are altering their hours of operation. Be aware that the information reported in this list may change.

• Springfield Lake is a 290-acre scenic amenity with a boat launch, picnic tables and fishing areas including a dock and pier. Grab some bait at Chappy’s Cruise Thru (2379 Canfield Road). The lake is also a favorite spot for jet skis and water boards. A paved trail for walkers hugs the shoreline and features low-impact exercise equipment. Park at 2459 Canfield Road in the township.

At the gazebo on the lakefront, Springfield Township hosts free Friday night summer concerts. Two concerts remain this year: Classic rock with the Lee’s Brothers Band on Aug. 12, and Dance Fever disco on Aug. 19. They start at 7 p.m., and food trucks are available. Follow the news at facebook.com/Springfieldtwpparks.

• James B. Dodds Lakefront Park is the Lakemore section of the lake and features another boat launch, fishing areas, and a picnic and playground. Park at 2425 Lakeside Drive.

• Mogadore Reservoir is owned by the city of Akron and was constructed in 1939 to provide water to area businesses. Today it's used by boaters and anglers. Find it off state Route 43, 1 mile south of U.S. 224, located in and east of Mogadore. It allows boats with electric motors only. 

• Springfield Lake Roller Rink, 1220 Main St. in Lakemore, has been around since the end of World War II. The site can be rented for parties, in addition to open skating and family fun nights. Open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Check out the schedule at springfieldlakerollerrink.com.

• Challenge Golf Course is the nation’s first handicap-accessible golf facility, featuring a driving range and three holes that can be repeated at different tees for a nine-hole game. Able-bodied golfers are welcome, but it’s also suited for golfers in wheelchairs and on scooters, and those recovering from strokes, spinal cord injuries, amputations and other medical conditions. Open every day at 1596 Flickinger Road in Lakemore. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/locations/akron-general/specialties/rehabilitation-sports-therapy/challenge-golf.

• Kern’s Florist and Greenhouse, 2438 Canton Road in Springfield Township, offers a broad selection of floral arrangements and gifts and delivers in a tri-county area. See its inventory at kernsflorist.com.

• Pressler’s Meats, 2553 Pressler Road in the township, is an old-school butcher shop, serving the area since 1962. Follow it on Facebook to see specials and promotions: facebook.com/presslersmeats.

• Canton Road Garden Center, 1881 Canton Road in the township, is a family-owned nursery, greenhouse and gardening supply store, serving the area since 1980. Open seven days a week. Learn more at cantonroadgarden.com.

• A couple of popular dining options can be found at Gala Commons, 2215 E. Waterloo Road, at the site of a former drive-in theater. Uncle Tito’s Mexican Grill offers traditional ethnic fare and drinks while the Iron Grill has an upscale, eclectic selection with daily specials. Learn more at irongrillakron.com and facebook.com/uncletitosmexicangrill.

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• Wayside Furniture is a three-building complex, including one that offers upscale Amish furniture and another full of clearance items. It even has its own Wayside Cafe, where customers can pause for lunch during the weekdays and partake of a daily menu that includes soups, sandwiches and seasonal salads. Find it at 1367 Canton Road in the township, or visit wayside-furniture.com.

• Spins Bowl (formerly Bill White’s Akron Lanes) is an entertainment center with 64 traditional bowling lanes, but also six ax-throwing lanes, an arcade, and a kitchen and bar. Available for parties and corporate events. Located at 2911 E. Waterloo Road in the township, visit spinsbowl.com/akron-oh to learn more.

• Springfield Bog, 1400 Portage Line Road in the township, features an easy 1½-mile trail through a mostly flat meadow with butterflies, flowers and a small pond with frogs and turtles. It’s one of the newer Summit County Metro Parks, opening in 2011. summitmetroparks.org/springfield-bog-metro-park.aspx.

• Lions Park, 194 Hale St. in Mogadore, offers a variety of outdoor recreation. In addition to ballfields and tennis courts, there are several pavilions for rent and a walking trail.

• Countryside Campground, 2687 State Route 43 in Mogadore, is a family-owned site next to the Mogadore Reservoir, with access to swimming, boating and fishing. In addition to tents, you can rent an RV, cabin or cottage. Find rates and details at countrysidecampgrounds.com.

About

Founded: The township of Springfield was settled in 1807. The village of Mogadore was named in 1825. Lakemore incorporated in 1921.  

Population: Springfield Township, 14,500. Mogadore, 3,900. Lakemore, 3,000. 

School and mascot: Springfield Local Schools, the Spartans. Mogadore Local Schools, the Wildcats.

Websites: springfieldtownship.us; mogadorevillage.org; lakemoreohio.org