WALESKA WOODSTOCK

and North Georgia railroad line boosted the economy and expanded the town. Today, Ball Ground continues to thrive. Its population grew more than 308% from 2020 (population 658) to 2021 (population 2,687). With convenient access to I-575, this growing community offers a positive business climate and varied residential options.

Adding to the quality of life in Ball Ground is the quaint historic downtown district. The district was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2009, and numerous markers throughout the community highlight the importance of celebrated structures. The community boasts four newly renovated parks, a recreation facility, and several walking trails.

Ball Ground

Demographics

• The northernmost town to sit completely within the Cherokee County boundaries

• Located just north of Canton at exit 27 on Interstate 575

• Population: Approximately 2,687; 75.6% growth since 2010

• Community leaders are focusing on the revitalization of the central business district, design, promotion, and economic development

• Annual special events include the Ball Ground Rocks the Park summer concert series, the Movie in the Park series, annual fireworks display, and much more.

City of CANTON Come

to Canton and you will be in the center of it all. In the heart of Cherokee County, the City of Canton is guiding its growth and future on the tenets of its Council and community-derived Roadmap for Success. These eight goals are overarching in the city’s vision for tourism, historic preservation, environmental efforts, and creating great places for all who want to work in the city, visit, or call Canton home.

Canton welcomes a diverse population of cultures, and celebrates that with community and police partnerships, an annual Multicultural Festival, and inclusion efforts through a Council-appointed task force. With a positive and proactive approach, the city celebrates diversity and seeks opportunities for inclusion.

The arts in the City of Canton have painted a beautiful picture of life here. The creation of a Cultural Arts Commission has sparked excitement in all types of art initiatives across the city. A mural on Railroad Street was completed in 2021 and a mural on Lee Street in 2022. At least two more locally commissioned murals are expected before 2024. Living arts have also taken center stage in the only historic theater in the county—the city-owned Historic Canton Theatre. Concerts, theater productions, and movie showings are a huge hit for young and old.

Downtown Canton is buzzing with a vibrant atmosphere and welcoming charm like no other. Stroll along Main Street to shop at the many boutiques or stop for a bite to eat at one of the more than a dozen restaurants. Treat yourself to ice cream, baked goods, coffee, or even a cold beverage; you will find it all! And with the recent addition of The Mill on Etowah to the downtown area, the City of Canton is THE place to find fun, seven days of the week.

Family-friendly is the key to the city’s schedule of events. First Fridays draw crowds that want to dance the night away, and at the River Rock Concert Series fans rock out to their heart’s content. Summertime shines on the Saturday Farmers Market, while fall and winter bring chocolate walks, trick-or-treats, ice skating, and Santa visits.

 Ball Ground, Canton, Woodstock, and Waleska regularly host farmers markets from early spring through late fall.

There are abundant opportunities for free live music throughout the county—from First Fridays in Canton to solo artists in restaurants to blockbuster concerts in Woodstock.

Parks and Recreation are in play throughout the City of Canton. In the city’s nine parks, including Hickory Log Creek Reservoir, you can participate in active sports, enjoy passive recreation, or just go with the flow down the Etowah River in a tube or kayak. New additions are coming to several parks to include a mini-pitch soccer field to be added to Harmon Park, and a new playground and public restrooms at Heritage Park. The city has also purchased land in South Canton for a brand-new 5-acre park.

In the fall of 2022, the City of Canton opened a new two-level parking deck downtown, including electric vehicle charging stations, to accommodate more visitors; an extensive renovation of the Historic Jones Building for retail, restaurant, and office space by the developers of The Mill on Etowah; initiation of projects from the city’s Transportation Master Plan to make getting around the city easier and safer; and the completion of the Etowah River Trail, which will connect all three of the city’s major parks with a pedestrian trail system.