Lake Anna Park facts for kids
Lake Anna Park is a 21-acre (85,000 m2) park around a spring-fed, 10-acre (40,000 m2) lake, and is located in the center of downtown Barberton, Ohio.
Lake Anna was formed by natural geology, left after the last ice age. It would have long been a resource for varying cultures of indigenous peoples in the area. Ohio Columbus Barber, industrialist and founder of Barberton in 1894, named the lake after his only daughter Anna Laura Barber.
History
In 1891 Barber bought land to build a manufacturing facility for Diamond Matches, and founded the town of Barberton. In addition to developing residential sections, in 1909 he had construction completed on his 52-room, French Renaissance mansion there. It was the center of a complex he called the Anna Dean Farm, again in his daughter's honor. The mansion stood until 1965 and other buildings of the farm's original 35 survive. All but 2 acres (8,100 m2) was redeveloped.
Today the 10-acre (40,000 m2) lake serves as the recreational center of Barberton. Many people come to walk or jog around the 21-acre (85,000 m2) park. The upper walk around Lake Anna is .7 of a mile, while the lower circular walk is .5 of a mile. Lake Anna in Barberton is bordered by Park Ave, Lake Ave, Sixth Street, and Third Street. Things to see at Lake Anna include the gazebo, where many summer band concerts are held; Barberton's War Memorial; and a memorial statue for the founder, O.C. Barber. Parking is around the lake. The park is maintained by the Barberton Parks and Recreation Commission. Lake Anna is open from dawn until 9pm.
