What's in store for 2024 in Jackson Township? Amphitheater video wall, levy, park upgrades

Kelli Weir, Canton Repository
Updated ·3 min read
The Nash Family-Jackson Amphitheater at 7454 Community Parkway NW in Jackson Township will host a summer concert series starting on May 31.
The Nash Family-Jackson Amphitheater at 7454 Community Parkway NW in Jackson Township will host a summer concert series starting on May 31.

Editor’s note: The Canton Repository asked leaders in each of Stark County’s 17 townships, 11 villages and six cities to share some highlights about what's in store for 2024 in their communities.

The responses include the return of some family-friendly events, a variety of new businesses and some much-needed improvements to longstanding structures. We will be presenting these community highlights to you throughout the upcoming months.

JACKSON TWP. − Improvements at the Nash Family-Jackson Amphitheater, a new face (but same last name) in the township fiscal office, election issues and park upgrades are on their way in Jackson Township.

Here is what's in store for 2024 in the township of nearly 43,000 residents:

Amphitheater upgrades

A video wall, paid through a private donation, will be installed this spring at the Nash Family-Jackson Amphitheater at 7454 Community Parkway NW. Trustees have hired AVI-SPL for $194,900 to install the nearly 30-foot-wide LED video screen on the eastern side of the stage. According to the contract, the work is to be completed by April 30.

A nearly 30-foot video screen will be installed on the east side of the Nash Family-Jackson Amphitheater this spring.
A nearly 30-foot video screen will be installed on the east side of the Nash Family-Jackson Amphitheater this spring.

A new concessions and restroom facility also will get its first full season of use this year.

Jackson’s summer concert series begins May 31 and includes tributes to Bob Seger (May 31), Journey (June 7), Heart (June 15), Eagles (June 29), Prince (July 12), Chicago (July 20), Van Halen (Aug. 9), AC/DC (Aug. 17), Queen (Aug. 24), Pink Floyd (Aug. 31) and Tom Petty (Sept. 7). Season passes and tickets are now on sale at www.jacksonamphitheater.com.

Kody Gonzalez, who ran unopposed in the November general election, will become Jackson Township's fiscal officer in April 2024.
Kody Gonzalez, who ran unopposed in the November general election, will become Jackson Township's fiscal officer in April 2024.

Gonzalez, Barson take on new roles

After 24 years as Jackson Township’s fiscal officer and economic development director, Randy Gonzalez will retire March 31.

His son, Kody Gonzalez, who ran unopposed in the November election, will take his place as fiscal officer starting April 1.

Kody Gonzalez, who is the chief deputy of Canton Municipal Clerk of Courts, has served on a variety of community organizations, including the Jackson Baseball Association and the Jackson Local Schools Foundation where he currently serves as president.

Courtney E. Barson has been hired as the township’s economic development director.
Courtney E. Barson has been hired as the township’s economic development director.

Trustees have hired Courtney E. Barson as the township’s economic development director.

Barson has worked for the township since 2022, first as a receptionist and secretary and then as the assistant zoning inspector.

Jackson police levy on the ballot

Township voters will see a request for a replacement levy to fund township police services on the March 19 election ballot.

If approved, the five-year, 5.75-mill levy would generate $11.3 million a year for the police department to use for salaries and to maintain its vehicles, buildings and communications equipment. The current levy, which was first passed by voters in 2014, generates $8 million.

If Issue 16 is approved, the owner of a home valued at $100,000 would pay $201 a year, up from the $126 that those homeowners currently pay. For a home valued at $250,000, the owner would pay $503 a year, according to the Stark County Auditor’s Office.

Voters in Jackson’s Precinct 7 also will see a request from Club Prive Management, which operates Club Prive at 4715 Hills and Dales Road NW. The company is seeking the ability to sell wine, mixed beverages and spirituous liquor on Sundays.

Kirk Schuring Park at 5055 Hills and Dales Rd NW (formerly part of the Tam O’Shanter golf course) will continue to develop in 2024 with the paving of the drives and parking lots.
Kirk Schuring Park at 5055 Hills and Dales Rd NW (formerly part of the Tam O’Shanter golf course) will continue to develop in 2024 with the paving of the drives and parking lots.

Upgrades coming to Kirk Schuring Park and North Park

Kirk Schuring Park at 5055 Hills and Dales Rd NW (formerly part of the Tam O’Shanter golf course) will continue to develop this year with the paving of the drives and parking lots.

New street lighting will be installed along Community Parkway NW, which runs through North Park. The new poles will match the existing poles along Wales Avenue and Fulton Road NW. Some of the baseball and softball diamonds at North Park also will get new in-fields.

Park programs for youth rugby and pickleball also will be offered this year.

Community Celebration set for June

The Jackson Community Celebration, which features rides, games and food in a festival atmosphere, will be held from June 19 to June 22 at North Park. The lineup of free concerts at the amphitheater includes the Scenic Route on June 19, That 80s Band on June 20, Trailer Park Ninjas and In the Heartland on June 21, and The Ladies Night and Disco Inferno on June 22.

Reach Canton Repository staff writer Kelli Weir at 330-580-8339 or kelli.weir@cantonrep.com.

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Jackson Township to see amphitheater video wall, park upgrades