C.T. Branin Natatorium Awarded Grant for Upgrades

Canton City School District Aquatics Director and Head Swimming and Diving Coach Sam Seiple said Friday that the grant money will upgrade the facility and allow it to continue to be one of the best swimming facilities in the United States. “The Natatorium will soon have a full color 18mm LED video board, two eight-lane timing display boards, a brand new state-of-the-art stainless steel variable moveable bulkhead, along with many new upgrades that will provide us the ability to bid on more state and national championship meets,” Seiple said. Seiple added that he is very grateful to both Tim and Jack Timken for their continued support and enthusiasm for the sport of swimming. 

CCSD Superintendent Adrian Allison said the generous donation allows the district to upgrade and maintain one of the community’s best assets. “We are thankful to the Timken Foundation for its continued support,” he said. “This funding will continue to make Canton a destination place for those seeking world-class venues to host their events.” 

Tonja Marshall, Director of Sports Tourism at the Stark County Convention and Visitors Bureau echoed these sentiments. “C.T. Branin Natatorium is a major asset to tourism in Stark County, generating millions of dollars in visitor spending annually,” she said. “We are ecstatic to see these updates implemented in order to continue attracting regional and national competitions that generate an economic impact throughout our community.” The Timken Foundation is a private, nonprofit, family foundation created in 1934 by Henry H. Timken Sr. and his sisters Amelia Bridges and Cora Burnett. Since then, it has disbursed more than $350 million in grants in the communities in which it has facilities.