Heritage Gateway dedicated in Hartville

Saturday, June 6, in downtown Hartville became two separate events instead of one due to rain that arrived around 12:30 p.m. and sunshine that returned around 1:45 p.m. That worked out well, as the day was intended to culminate in a dedication ceremony for the newly built Heritage Gateway at 2 p.m.

This vibrant new public space features a steel pavilion with an iconic piece of public art at its heart and beautifully arranged engraved pavers that show the support of hundreds of community members. Those who purchased commemorative bricks were encouraged to locate their pavers and take photos.

Lake Township Chamber of Commerce President Chip Weisel welcomed attendees to the dedication and spoke about the significance of the project.

Weisel said the new landmark celebrates Hartville's past, enriches its present and welcomes its future.

"This project began with a vision: to create a meaningful landmark that tells the story of our community while strengthening the connection along the West Maple corridor from Historic Downtown Hartville to Hartville Hardware, Kitchen, MarketPlace and Flea Market," Weisel said. "The Heritage Gateway stands as the first completed phase of that vision and serves as a symbol of community pride and identity. A project like this is only possible through collaboration, generosity and shared commitment."

Weisel thanked Bud and Bonnie Workman for donating the property on which the landmark sits. He also expressed gratitude to the Hartville Area Community Charitable Trust and Visit Canton for their financial support and recognition of the project's importance to Hartville's tourism and community development.

He also thanked the Village of Hartville for its ongoing support and partnership, Starkey & Runkle for legal guidance, Rothschild Doyno Collaborative for recommending the Gateway Marker concept, Each + Every for creating the brand identity, Tanya McInerney for landscape design, Jonathan Paul Fleming for architectural design and construction assistance, and Dan the Dronie for documenting the project through aerial photography.

A special recognition was given to Project Manager Michelle Cutler.

"Michelle's tireless dedication, attention to detail, and ability to bring together people, organizations and resources kept this project moving forward from concept to completion," Weisel said. "Her leadership has been instrumental in making today possible."

Every detail of the Heritage Gateway was designed to tell Hartville's story. Barn stone honors the community's agricultural roots, while the circular form reflects the foundation of a classic farm silo. Repurposed railroad rails celebrate Hartville's railway history, and the steel framework pays tribute to its industrial legacy. The scripted "Hartville" lettering is part of a coordinated wayfinding system envisioned for the entire West Maple Street corridor.

Weisel noted the same distinctive font also appears on the mural at 115 Prospect Ave. S., reinforcing a visual identity intended to help tell Hartville's story for generations.

"Today, we celebrate more than a gateway," Weisel said. "We celebrate a community that values its history, is investing in its future, and works together to create places that inspire pride and belonging."

Major contributors recognized during the ceremony included foundation benefactors Dominic J. Bagnoli Jr. Family, Michael W. Hoag Family, Howard R. Miller Family, Hartville Area Community Charitable Trust and the Visit Canton Destination Enhancement Grant; legacy builders The Christ Foundation, Chris and Lynn Ramsburg, and ForeverLawn NEO; landmark patrons GentleBrook and PNC Bank; heritage donors BMW & Toyota of North Canton and Hartville Health & Wellness Centre; and public entities the Village of Hartville and the Ohio Department of Transportation.

Weisel also announced that HARTVILLE/LAKE Community Development has launched the Downtown Hartville Civic Improvement Fund, a partnership initiative with the village that will provide reimbursement grants to downtown commercial property owners for exterior facade restoration and property improvement projects.

The formal ribbon-cutting followed, with Cutler cutting the ribbon while Weisel and Carl Witt held it alongside donors and attendees gathered on the patio.

Earlier in the day, the third annual Art in the Park event was shortened by the weather but still attracted visitors who enjoyed art displays, crafts, food, beverages, live music and shopping from local artisan vendors and food trucks.

Activities included a flower art project with Heather Manko of Art from the Hart, Mahjong lessons with Tracy Dawn Brewer of Brewtifully, a Draw Yourself Community Art Doodles station, balloon animals and children's crafts by Harvestime Apostolic Church, a featured artist gallery, the Stark Library Bookmobile, a Lake High School student art exhibit and a Lake Township Historical Society exhibit.

Live music continued until the rain arrived, with performances scheduled by Triple Play NEO, Morgan Coblentz, Reese Charlotte, Camryn & Sam, Richard Matty and Danni Elise.