Lauren Johnson

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.

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

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

Roadmap for Success

center of Heritage Park, which currently continues under Waleska Street and along the Etowah River. This is the extension of the city sewer lines to the Water Pollution Control Plant at Boling Park. Part of that project includes a trail extension leading from Heritage to Boling.

Once complete, the fully paved system of interconnected sidewalks will take parkgoers from Etowah River Park to Heritage to Boling, or vice versa, without having to cross any major roadways and — for runners — a complete 10K without ever passing the same spot! Additions

Heritage Park has seen many additions to its offerings, with a few that are coming soon. Through the vision and planning of Adam Dodson, Canton’s parks and recreation manager, a plyometric gym opened this time last year. Located at the park’s center edge and adjacent to the G. Cecil Pruett YMCA, this unique gym incorporates exercises in which muscles exert maximum force in short intervals of time. On the way for Heritage Park is the addition of a new inclusive playground and muchneeded public restrooms. On the Horizon

Earlier this year, the city purchased 5 acres in south Canton to further expand its parks and recreation offerings. Canton’s 10th park likely will undergo planning later this year, and include an opportunity for public input.

And, one of the most-requested projects by citizens may be on its way as early as next year: a new dog park! Planning for this park for our furry friends will begin in 2023, and will be incorporated into Canton’s plan for use of special-purpose local-option sales tax funds.

Lauren Johnson is the marketing and communications specialist for the city of Canton.

CANTON PARKS

All parks and sites are open from dawn until dusk, other than Hickory Log Creek Reservoir, which is open 7 a.m.-7 p.m., and 7 a.m.-8 p.m. between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

1Boling Park - 1098 Marietta Highway

Amenities include a 1-mile gravel walking trail, covered pavilion with bathrooms, playground, baseball fields, tennis courts and more. No dogs allowed in this park.

2Brown Park - 251 E. Marietta St.

Amenities include a playground, field space and picnic tables.

3Burge Park - Crisler Street Amenities include a basketball court, playground, swing and bench.

4Cannon Park - 130 E. Main St.

Located in downtown Canton, with a gazebo.

5Etowah River Park - 600 Brown Industrial Parkway

Amenities include an amphitheater, public bathrooms, pavilions, inclusive playgrounds, a public canoe launch, walking trail, field space and more.

6Harmon Park - Harmon Circle

Amenities include baseball fields, playground, picnic tables and a mini-pitch soccer field (under construction).

7Heritage Park - 508 Riverstone Parkway

Amenities include a 1-mile walking trail, connecting to Etowah River Trail and Etowah River Park, and recreational field space used for soccer.

8Hickory Log Creek Reservoir - Fate Conn Road at Bluffs Parkway

Cost is $5 per day, per vehicle.

9McCanless Park - Muriel Street

Amenities include a pavilion, playground, Boy Scout Hut and picnic tables.

Justin Page wants to provide customers with a stress-free move.

READERS’ CHOICE

WINNER

2022 BEST Relocation Service

PAGE RELOCATION, LLC

620 Waleska Road Canton, GA 30114 770-224-8184

PageRelocation.com PageRelocation E

PHOTO BY RED BARYL PORTRAITS

A Thankful Heart

Owner Is Grateful for Support of Community, Customers

Page Relocation’s owner, Justin Page, wants to take time, during this Thanksgiving season, to share how thankful he is for the support of Canton, especially, and the rest of Cherokee County.

In two years, his Canton-based moving company has grown from three employees and two trucks to 32 employees and 10 trucks. His growing fleet ranges in size to accommodate any move, including semis to manage long-distance moves. Page Relocation was voted the Best Relocation Service in the 2021 and 2022 Around Canton Readers’ Choice contest, but Justin doesn’t take his company’s success for granted.

“I, and all of us at Page Relocation, have been truly blessed for the support of our Canton community, helping us grow over the past two years,” Justin said. “Without this, Page Relocation would not have flourished, enabling us to make every move our customers’ simplest move ever. Thank you for your continued support, as we only become better to serve you and all of greater Atlanta and North Georgia.”

Giving back to the community is important to Justin and his team. Through supporting charities, growing community partnerships and developing ways to better serve even the youngest customers, Page Relocation is making a positive impact.

SUPPORTING CHARITIES

Serving the community is at the core of Page Relocation’s mission statement. Justin and his team are focused on giving back to the community that has taken care of them so well. Since January, donations of time and money have been made to the following nonprofits: Woodstock Public Safety Foundation, the Service League of Cherokee County, The Children’s Haven, the Cherokee Sheriff’s Foundation, Reinhardt University Athletics, Goshen Valley and Empower Cherokee.

Through these donations, Page Relocation is dedicated to making a positive impact in its community for all those who work tirelessly to make Canton and Cherokee County such a great place to live. You can learn more about these great charities at www.pagerelocaiton.com/ communityimpact.