The Edward “Peel” Coleman Center opened in 1985, giving the Southeast end of Canton a community center of its own. The Center would go on to provide a “home away from home” for many children growing up in the area.
Named after former Canton City Councilman Edward “Peel” Coleman, the center has been home to many local organizations over the years such as the Stark County Urban League, YMCA of Greater Stark County, the Stark County Minority Business Association and most recently Head Start and Canton Parks and Recreation.
Major building upgrades and renovations have been underway since 2019. The gym saw a full renovation in 2020 with the replacement of basketball hoops, portable bleachers, court dividers and a new paint job. The brand new gym floor -complete with NBA and OHSAA regulation length 3-point lines- was added to finish off the project. The gym was dedicated to long-time Youth Development Director for the City of Canton – Paul Martin.
Improvements continued in 2020-2021 with a new weight room, audio equipment, remodeled space and increased security measures.
COMMUNITY CENTER PROGRAMS
Camp EP3C
A fun and enriching summer camp experience where children engage in a variety of activities including weekly field trips, swimming, games, arts and crafts, and daily educational sessions. Campers build friendships while participating in structured recreational and learning experiences.
- Grades 1-6
- Monday - Friday
- 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Free
- Edward Peel Coleman Community Center
- Register March 1st – June 2nd
Camp Weis
A summer camp designed for outdoor fun and hands-on learning with weekly field trips, swimming, games, arts and crafts, and interactive educational activities. Campers will explore nature, develop teamwork skills, and enjoy an exciting summer experience.
- Grades 1-6
- Monday - Friday
- 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- $500 resident / $600 non-resident
- Weis Park
- Register March 1st – June 2nd
Pop-Up Food Pantry
Monthly food distribution in partnership with the Akron-Canton Foodbank to provide food assistance to residents in need.
- 1st Tuesday of each month
- 2 to 4 P.M.
- Free
- Edward Peel Coleman Community Center
Kids Literacy Program
Weekly reading program in partnership with the Stark Library to encourage literacy and a love for reading among youth.
- Grades K-6
- Every Tuesday (besides federal holidays)
- 4 to 5 P.M.
- Free
- Edward Peel Coleman Community Center
- Registration ongoing
MAGMA: Introduction to STEAM Learning
Hands-on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) learning program designed to engage and inspire youth.
- Mondays and Wednesdays
- 4 to 5:30 P.M.
- Free
- Edward Peel Coleman Community Center
- Registration ongoing
Monthly Movie Night
A fun, family-friendly movie night open to the community with snacks and refreshments.
- Every 2nd Thursday of the month
- 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
- Free
- Edward Peel Coleman Community Center
- Registration Ongoing
Monthly Art Project
A creative arts and crafts session for children to engage in hands-on artistic activities.
- Grades 1-6
- Every 2nd & 4th Wednesday
- 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
- Free
- Edward Peel Coleman Community Center
- Registration Ongoing
Monthly Kids Recess
A structured playtime session allowing youth to engage in fun and active group games.
- Grades 1-6
- Every 3rd Friday
- 6 to 10 p.m.
- $5 residents / $10 non-residents
- Edward Peel Coleman Community Center
- Registration Ongoing
Urban Scholars Tutoring Program
Academic support program for students during the school year, providing tutoring in core subjects.
- Grades 1-9
- Mondays & Wednesdays, September 15th - May 21st
- 4 to 5:30 p.m.
- Free
- Edward Peel Coleman Community Center
- Registration opens August 1
Wayne Douglas Jamerson Spray Park
The Wayne Douglas Jamerson Spray Park by the Edward “Peel” Coleman Community Center at 1400 Sherrick Road SE has two play areas and plastic playground fixtures shaped like football field uprights, a soccer ball, a baseball bat, a baseball glove and a green circle. The park is surrounded by a fence.
The park is open noon to 8 p.m. daily, Memorial Day through Labor Day. It’s free for use by the public.
- Open 12-8 p.m. daily, Memorial Day through Labor Day.
- Children must be supervised. Use of the park is at your own risk—no lifeguard is on the site.
Photo Gallery
