Canton Parks and Recreation has a long history of bringing friends and families together for events in our parks that have created many fond memories.
With the leadership of the Canton Park Commission and a talented, dedicated park and recreation staff, we have continued to offer essential programs while also providing needed development and maintenance of our 59 park areas.
Support from former Mayor Bernabei, Mayor Sherer, Canton City Council, and Canton administration staff has also provided over $5.8 million in capital improvements by allocating American Rescue Plan Act funding for large-scale, impactful projects throughout the city parks.
The Edward “Peel” Coleman Community Center and J. Babe Stearn Center receive funding of over $500,000 for operational costs and programming with levy tax dollars. They are beacons of activity and promise.
Recent Project Highlights:
- Construction of three splash pads and large play structures in Weis, Harmont, and Garaux Parks.
- Construction of a large shelter with a kitchen and restrooms, a large play structure, pickleball courts, walking path improvements, and a basketball court at Crenshaw Park.
- Installed six pickleball courts at Schreiber Park.
- Construction of a bike pump track at West Park.
- Reconstructed tennis courts at Weis Park.
- New play structures at Meyers, Maryland, Bernard, and Preston Young Sr. Mini Park.
- Basketball court improvements, fencing, and asphalt road and parking lot paving at Nimisilla Park.
- New disc golf baskets and pond dredging at Arboretum Park.
- Pond dredging, electric installation, and fountains at Spiker Park.
- Addition of a four-unit restroom and construction of four artificial turf infields at Willig Field Complex.
- Garden Center Kennedy and Schneider Fountain improvements, raceway and stone boulder improvements at Stadium Park.
- Reconstruction of six new pickleball courts and walking track repairs at Stadium Park.
- Asphalt paving of all roads and parking areas for Stadium, Monument, and Waterworks Parks.
Recent Program Highlights for 2024:
- Hosted 40 public events that served over 21,000 participants.
- Provided 947 shelter and community room rentals for 47,500 people.
- Baseball, softball, shuffleboard, basketball, bocce, disc golf, tennis, and pickleball had 55 scheduled tournaments.
- Canton Parks and Recreation hosted 60 youth and adult leagues.
- A total of 19,330 participants with 2,750 field and court reservations.
Goals for 2025:
- Fencing improvements, a new play structure, and swings in Stark-Wayne Schrader Park.
- Timken Gatehouse renovation, bridge installation, and obstacle course installation in Stadium Park.
- Electric service upgrades and extended holiday lights through Monument and Waterworks Parks.
- Shuffleboard roof, volleyball light improvements, and tree landscape plan in Weis Park.
- Gazebo roof, stage upgrades, asphalt path, and tree landscape plan in Nimisilla Park.
- Play structure, workout system, and basketball court renovation in Preston Young Sr. Mini Park.
- Improvements in Mother Goose Park.
- Collaboration with the Canton Police Department for “Police in Parks” community areas in Vassar, Maryland, Brians, Crenshaw, and King Parks.
The Canton Garden Center is available to visit year-round to enjoy the beautiful flower areas maintained by our dedicated garden clubs. The Canton Park and Recreation main office is located on the second floor.
Special thanks to our Canton residents, who provide a stable levy revenue source that funds our maintenance, operations, recreational programming, and capital improvements. This support allows us to provide exceptional parks and services.
Please feel free to contact me directly. We welcome your ideas and feedback to continue making Canton Parks and Recreation a valued asset in our community.
Thank you,
Doug Foltz
Parks and Recreation Director