Holmesbrook Park totals 58.3 acres and is the largest park in the City of Wadsworth. Reminiscent of being in a vast natural park, Holmesbrook is set in a secluded hidden valley on the west side of town. The Park extends north and south from Greenwich Road to I-76, and is near Summa Wadsworth-Rittman Hospital.

Holmesbrook Park is named after John Holmes, a migratory squatter from Montreal, Canada. After discovering coal in the hillsides, he built a small cabin and lived there with his native American wife.

Holmesbrook Valley was rich in wildlife and housed many beech, hickory, maple, oak and other varieties of trees, which can still be seen today.

In 1895, sandstone was cut from a quarry and a bridge was constructed over Holmes Brook on the south side. An engraved stone with the year, builder’s name and the commissioners is still visible.

In the mid 1900s, with the area quickly being developed, a local businessman purchased the valley and built a small pond and cabin as a retreat for weekend and summer visits. 

In the 1970s, the City obtained the property for one of its parks. A parking area was built off College Street, and land was cleared for natural grasses to grow. An asphalt foot path and bridge were added for smooth hiking and biking. With the help of local boy scout and girl scout troops, the main trail has been extended by clearing paths throughout the dense foliage.