Located in Stadium Park, the Herb Fisher Walking Track is a two mile trail which functions as Canton's most popular exercise and recreational element.  Approximately six years ago, a bridge that crossed the West Branch of Nimishillen Creek and was a half way point was destroyed by a 100 year flood.  This bridge was a critical link in allowing community patrons to participate in exercise and recreation while cutting the overall distance to one mile.  The bridge was also a key link to parking, restroom facilities, and a direct connection to the John Barker Spring House. 

During the last two levy campaigns, the replacement of this bridge has been the single most requested capital project from Canton Parks and Recreation constituents.  Funds for this project were minimal, so support and donations from community businesses were critical factors in the completion of this project.

The replacement bridge needed to be built from more durable materials than the old wooden structure and designed to require minimal maintenance.  A simple steel beam bridge was designed to fit into the nature friendly park environment.  Canton Parks and Recreation had previous positive experience with hot dip galvanized projects and wanted the new bridge's steel components to have long term corrosion protection afforded by hot dip galvanizing.  All steel components utilized in the construction of the bridge were hot dip galvanized.

Powder coating over the hot dip galvanized steel provided the opportunity to choose a color scheme conducive to blending the bridge into the park environment.  Additionally, the synergistic effect of the powder coating over the hot dip galvanizing will extend the corrosion protection at least one and a half times the expected life of the galvanizing alone.  

When approached by Canton Parks and Recreation, community businesses rallied behind the project. Donations were received for the all the required steel, the steel fabrication, hot dip galvanizing, powder coating, steel transportation, crane time for setting the steel, and on site fabrication and consultation.  The city of Canton donated significant time and labor for in house design and site assessment services.

The newly named Stadium Park Community Crossing Bridge opened in early November 2016, providing Canton Parks and Recreation visitors a long term, modern and safe bridge to enhance their exercise and recreation.  "We have been very fortunate to have the support of multiple community businesses and organizations to bring this bridge back to our loyal park patrons," stated Canton Parks and Recreation Director, Derek Gordon.  "We cannot express enough gratitude for the generosity we have received to replace this structure. Without the support of the private sector, this project would have cost taxpayers over $100,000 in levy funds.  With their support we received a superior product for just the cost of engineering and design."