Historic Timken Gatehouse in Stadium Park

About the Venue

Originally built in 1911, the Historic Timken Gatehouse in Stadium Park once served as the entrance to the Timken family estate.

Carefully restored by Canton Parks and Recreation in 2025, this historic landmark now begins a new chapter as one of Canton’s most distinctive event venues.

Rich in character and timeless charm, the Gatehouse offers a beautiful setting for weddings, celebrations, meetings, and special occasions. A cherished piece of Canton’s past, preserved for generations to come and ready to help tell the story of your next celebration.

Location: 1305 Stadium Park Dr NW, Canton, OH 44718

2026 Temporary Rate Structure

$100.00/hour minimum 3-hour rental
$100.00/hour for each additional hour
$100.00 Damage Deposit (Cash or Check only; cash required if rented within 2 weeks of the rental date.)

Outside Seating and Capacity includes:

  • Front Patio with four benches
  • Back Patio with seating for 28. This includes three square 4-top tables and four round circular table. Umbrellas available.
  • Accessible Restroom

 

Inside Seating and Capacity includes:

  • Dining Room with seating for 18. This includes three square 4-top tables and one round circular table.
  • Warming Kitchen
  • Accessible Restroom


To check availability, please call Canton Parks & Recreation’s Main Office at (330) 456-4521. To make a reservation, visit the Main Office located in Stadium Park at 1615 Stadium Park Dr NW, Canton, OH 44718. Reservations are accepted in person only, and full payment is due at the time of reservation.

Outside the Timken Gatehouse
Inside the Timken Gatehouse

RENTAL POLICIES & GUIDELINES

To help ensure an enjoyable experience for all guests while protecting this historic property, we ask that all renters read through and follow the guidelines below.

Rentals include access to the Gatehouse only during the reserved time listed on your rental agreement. Doors will be unlocked and secured according to your scheduled rental period, and all guests, vendors, and personal belongings must be removed by the end of your reservation.

CATERING

The Gatehouse features a warming kitchen equipped with a refrigerator, stove, microwave, and two prep islands for food preparation. Items stored in the kitchen cabinets are not available for renter use. Renters are welcome to use the caterer of their choice, although Canton Parks & Recreation does not provide caterer recommendations. All caterers and vendors are expected to follow the same rental policies as the renter.

DECORATIONS

To preserve the historic character of the Gatehouse, all decorations must be freestanding. Tape, nails, staples, tacks, adhesives, candles, and open flames are prohibited. The historic fireplace is decorative only and is not operational, although decorative lighting may be placed inside the fireplace. Indoor furniture, including Gatehouse chairs, must remain inside the building. Additional seating may be brought in by the renter if needed.

MUSIC & AMPLIFIED SOUND

Background music is welcome during your event. DJs and personal sound systems are permitted, provided music remains at a reasonable volume. Live bands and amplified music outdoors are not permitted. Alcohol is prohibited inside the Gatehouse and throughout park property. Smoking is prohibited inside the facility and is only permitted in designated outdoor smoking areas.

FOOD TRUCKS

Food trucks and other special event equipment require written approval from Canton Parks & Recreation at least 30 days before your event. Admission fees, concessions, or sales also require prior approval from the Canton Parks Commission Board. An adult age 18 or older must remain on-site during any event involving minors.

PARKING & PHOTOGRAPHY

Guests, caterers, entertainers, and vendors must park in designated parking areas only and keep park roads and entrances clear at all times. Photography is welcome throughout your rental; however, please remain in designated areas and avoid blocking trails or pathways used by other park visitors.

CLEAN UP

At the conclusion of your event, renters are responsible for removing all decorations and personal belongings, placing trash in designated receptacles, and cleaning up any spills before departure. The City of Canton is not responsible for lost or stolen property or for injuries occurring during your rental.

FEES

Reservation fees may be transferred one time to a future available date. Refunds are not issued due to inclement weather. A $50 fee will be charged for returned or non-sufficient funds payments. Canton Parks & Recreation reserves the right to cancel a reservation if rental activity violates park rules or applicable laws, is deemed detrimental to the community, or if unforeseen circumstances make the facility unavailable.

PARK RULES

To help protect the Gatehouse and surrounding park, the following are not permitted:

  • Grills or open flames
  • Portable or pop-up tents
  • Inflatables
  • Dogs on the Gatehouse premises
  • Swimming or wading in park waters
  • Dumping liquids in park waters or on park grounds
  • Feeding wildlife
  • Parking or driving on the grass
  • Standing on tables or chairs
  • Moving indoor furniture outdoors or outdoor furniture indoors


If you have questions before your event or need assistance during your rental, please contact Canton Parks & Recreation at
(330) 456-4521 during business hours. After hours, assistance is available through the Canton Police Non-Emergency Line at (330) 649-5800.

 

History of the Timken Gatehouse

 

Many families called the historic Timken Gatehouse home over the years. Holidays and weddings were celebrated, children learned to ice skate on the frozen creek and ponds, and daily life centered around caring for and tending to the Timken estate.