Trail Expansions to Connect People and Parks BY LAUREN JOHNSON
When the city of Canton was building its Roadmap for Success, the tenet of Connecting Citizens to Parks & Recreation already was taking shape. The nine parks and recreation areas in Canton were being used by residents and visitors year-round, and more people were discovering them every day. So, what else did the city have in mind for this tenet?
Improvements Harmon Park currently is undergoing renovations.
A healthy community provides access to nature. Residents should be connected with local parks through trails, sidewalks and additional transportation options. Recreational opportunities should be available to and inclusive of all.
In September, the city kicked off a $4.3 million project to update Harmon Park and bring it up to the standards of excellence of the newer green spaces. Improvements to the park will include the construction of the mini-pitch soccer field, as well as a new pavilion, resurfaced basketball court, new batting cages, baseball field upgrades, connecting sidewalks, a continuous park drive and additional parking. “Harmon Park is a focus area for the city,” Assistant City Manager Nathan Ingram said. “The city aims to construct a re-imagined park that will offer a better overall experience for its citizens, be more inclusive and inviting to all groups, and be an integral part of the overall goal for an interconnected park/trail system throughout the city of Canton.” Long-term goals and future additions to the park will include public art installations by the Canton Cultural Arts Commission, riverside landscaping, and a bridge crossing and trail connection to the Canton’s three larger parks.
Expansions
You most likely noticed construction that took place last year through the 26
AROUND CANTON | November 2022
