In July the communities of Springfield and Lakemore, which the township surrounds, will share an exciting event, Rock the Docks Community Days. These communities share in the festivities planning of the boat regatta, music etc, but the two areas also share a unique history.

In the early 1900s, the village and the township were well known as resort areas. The result of that reputation, cottages were built along Springfield Lake. Those cottages are permanent residence for villagers and Sawyerwood residents in Springfield.

The township was originally many little settlements of people who made their homes near mills and the river while residing in the boundaries of Springfield Township.

The Springfield Lake District is the geographical center of the original township and the beauty of the lake not only benefited the township but also helped to create the village as it was used for residential and recreational purposes.

It became a popular resort area due to the growth of the rubber industry in Akron. Summer cottages were built as the “city folk” wanted to vacation at the lake. Springfield Lake Park, which is now the Springfield Lake Roller Rink, was built in the early 1900’s and it is there that buildings held a merry-go-round, dodge-ems and other amusement rides. One of the attractions was a roller coaster that extended out over the lake.

People came from all over to enjoy dancing to the likes of big band names such as Guy Lombardo and Vaughn Monroe. At one time Springfield Lake Park was the largest amusement park in the State of Ohio and patrons came by streetcar from as far away as Youngstown, Cleveland, Canton and Barberton. The amusement park hosted two coasters, a merry-go-round, swimming, boating, fishing and much more. A double-decked steamboat cruised the lake complete with an orchestra and dancing.

The lake area became so popular that as more summer cottages popped up, ice was cut from the lake every winter. The ice stored until the summer season and delivered door to door with milk by horse and wagon.

Edwin Shaw Hospital began operating in 1914 as the Springfield Lake Sanitarium and streets and houses were being built as electricity was becoming available.

In 1921 the Village of Lakemore was formed and was incorporated.

Many reasons have been given for the demise of the Springfield Lake Park. In 1929 the Depression caused the amusement park financial problems. In 1930, the Blue Streak, the largest roller coaster in the park, crashed and 11 people were injured. The coaster was then dismantled.