Arrowhead Golf & Event Center Update: Management Company Sues City of North Canton

October 13, 2026 | North Canton, Ohio Community News

Just when it seemed the biggest question surrounding Arrowhead Golf & Event Center was whether the City of North Canton would sell the property or bring in new management, the situation has taken another turn.

The company currently managing Arrowhead has filed a lawsuit against the City of North Canton, its mayor and several other individuals.

The lawsuit comes just days after the city announced it was accepting proposals for new management or the potential purchase of the more than 105-acre property.

Here's what we know so far, what's being disputed and what this could mean for Arrowhead's future.

How Did We Get Here?

On October 7, the City of North Canton publicly announced it was seeking proposals for Arrowhead Golf & Event Center, located at 1500 Rogwin Circle SW.

The city outlined two possible options:

• Bringing in a company to manage and operate Arrowhead under a new agreement.

• Potentially selling the property to a private buyer.

Arrowhead includes an 18-hole golf course, swimming pool, restaurant, event facilities and pickleball courts.

Under the city's proposal process, any potential sale would include deed restrictions intended to preserve the existing amenities and operations for at least 10 years.

At that point, no sale had been announced.

But now, the company's existing management agreement is at the center of a legal dispute.

Arrowhead's Management Company Files Lawsuit

According to reporting from the Canton Repository published October 12, North Canton Golf LLC, owned by Steve DiPietro, filed a lawsuit in Stark County Common Pleas Court on October 9, 2026.

North Canton Golf has operated Arrowhead since 2019.

The lawsuit alleges that the City of North Canton violated its management agreement when it moved to terminate the company's contract.

The company maintains that its agreement was intended to continue through the end of 2027.

However, the city has a different interpretation.

According to the report, the city issued a 90-day termination notice on October 2, 2026.

North Canton's law director, Brendan Heil, disputes the company's allegations and maintains that the agreement will terminate December 31, 2026.

It's important to understand that these are disputed legal claims. A lawsuit has been filed, but that does not mean a court has determined that either party violated the agreement.

Could an Upscale Restaurant Be Coming to Arrowhead?

Another interesting detail has emerged from the reporting.

According to the Canton Repository, preliminary discussions took place involving Mayor Matt Stroia's landlord, Grant Giltz, and business associates Nik Pappas and Nate Oakes about potentially managing or purchasing Arrowhead.

The discussions reportedly included the possibility of bringing an upscale restaurant to the property.

The lawsuit raises allegations concerning those discussions and the individuals involved.

However, the private individuals named in the reporting dispute the allegations.

No new restaurant has been formally announced or approved, and there is no confirmed redevelopment plan for Arrowhead.

For now, the restaurant concept remains a preliminary idea discussed in connection with the property, not an announced project.

Some North Canton Council Members Reportedly Surprised

The Canton Repository also reported that several North Canton City Council members expressed surprise about the decision to terminate the management arrangement and seek proposals.

According to the reporting, at least four council members indicated they had not been consulted before the process moved forward.

Council members have expressed differing views about the administration's actions.

This adds another layer to the ongoing discussion about how Arrowhead should be managed and what role city leadership should play in determining its future.

What Is North Canton Golf Asking the Court to Do?

North Canton Golf is seeking court intervention, including a restraining order that could prevent the city from moving forward with its request for proposals while the legal dispute is addressed.

The company also seeks to preserve its management role.

However, requesting a restraining order is not the same as receiving one.

As of the October 12 reporting, the lawsuit had not been resolved.

The next steps will depend on the court proceedings and any decisions made by city officials.

Is Arrowhead Golf & Event Center Closing?

At this time, there has been no announcement that Arrowhead is closing.

The City of North Canton has indicated that scheduled events have not been disrupted.

The lawsuit concerns the management agreement and the city's efforts to explore new management or ownership arrangements.

It does not mean that the golf course, pool, pickleball courts or event center are shutting down.

Why Does This Matter to North Canton Residents?

Arrowhead is more than just a golf course.

For years, it has been a destination for golf outings, weddings, swimming, pickleball, dining and community events.

The property encompasses more than 105 acres, making it a significant recreational asset within North Canton.

Any potential change in management or ownership could raise questions about future maintenance, memberships, public access, improvements and long-term operations.

And with a lawsuit now involved, there are additional questions about how quickly the city can move forward with its plans.

As a local Realtor, I pay attention to developments like this because community amenities and recreational facilities contribute to the character and appeal of our neighborhoods.

Whether you live in North Canton, Jackson Township, Green or another nearby community, the future of a property like Arrowhead is something worth watching.

What Happens Next?

There are several developments to watch:

1. The lawsuit: Whether the court grants any temporary relief requested by North Canton Golf.

2. The management agreement: How the dispute over the contract's termination is resolved.

3. The city's proposal process: Whether North Canton continues accepting proposals for new management or a potential sale.

4. Future plans for Arrowhead: Whether any formal proposals emerge involving renovations, restaurant changes or other investments.

The city's original proposal deadline was November 13, 2026, although the lawsuit could potentially affect that process.

For now, no sale has been finalized, no new operator has been announced and the legal dispute remains unresolved.

I'll Continue Following the Arrowhead Story

This is a developing story, and there's clearly more to learn about what the future holds for Arrowhead Golf & Event Center.

The most important thing is to distinguish between confirmed actions, allegations made in the lawsuit and plans that are still being discussed.

What do you think? Should North Canton retain ownership of Arrowhead, or would you support private ownership if the recreational amenities remain protected?

I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Stay Connected With Northeast Ohio Community News

I'm Jenn McKeever, a local Realtor with The KeyGroup | Real of Ohio, serving North Canton, Jackson Township, Green, Hartville, Lake Township and surrounding Northeast Ohio communities.

I share updates about local developments, business openings and closings, community projects and the real estate market to help residents stay informed about what's happening in the places we call home.

Whether you're thinking about buying, selling or simply enjoy keeping up with local news, I'd love to connect!

Visit JennMcKeeverRealEstate.com for more local updates.

Sources

• Canton Repository / Yahoo News — Arrowhead Manager Sues North Canton

• City of North Canton — Official Arrowhead Announcement

• City of North Canton — Bid Postings

Published October 13, 2026. This article summarizes publicly reported allegations and responses. The lawsuit remains unresolved, and information may change as proceedings continue.