Open recreation to launch this summer in Canton

Jun. 17—CANTON — This summer, for one month, the Canton Recreation Pavilion and grounds around Bend in the River Park will become the best backyard ever.

From July 15 to Aug. 9, the recreation department will launch its first Open Recreation sessions.

From 7:30-11:30 a.m. and 6-9 p.m., the Pavilion and the surrounding area will be open to all to enjoy a thrilling array of recreational activities, including pickleball, badminton, basketball, volleyball, lawn games, card/board games and almost any other activity imaginable.

Canton Recreation Director Meghan Richardson said she has been working on an open recreation concept since July 2021, the day she started.

Richardson was a member of the Reimagining Recreation task force when the director position became available. She knew from her work with the task force that there was a desire to change the recreation activities in Canton.

The Canton Pee Wee Association and Canton Minor Hockey provide a lot of organized sports activities for local youth.

"Canton is very sports-focused," she said.

Richardson said that leaves some people unserved.

"There's a lot of people out there, not just kids, adults, seniors, that are not a part of organized sports, whether by choice or whether they can't do it," Richardson said. "I think the recreation department has an opportunity to change and fill that void that our community has."

Richardson's office has giant Jenga games, volleyballs, basketballs, and lawn games. Down the hall, another office has board games, chess, checkers, and cribbage boards.

The equipment was purchased with money from the rec department's first used equipment sale last spring.

Richardson said the money from this year's just-completed sale will go to more equipment.

There are no age restrictions and no registration. Kids must be dropped off by a parent or guardian who can leave a phone number.

Richardson said she expects the morning session to be more youth-oriented. Rec staff will set up games and help organize kickball games, but it will be up to the participants to decide what to do.

The drop-off system is similar to what the recreation department has used for open hockey and open skate sessions. High school students who served as "skate guards" will now be recreation attendants who monitor the activity and help when needed.

"It's a great opportunity for the kids because it's a job that is fun," Richardson said. "And it's giving back to the community."

Several residents spoke about the need for a community center at a joint meeting of the Canton village and town boards in April.

People spoke about a place for kids and adults to gather for activities, forums, dances, meetings and other civic and social activities.

Richardson said the open recreation program could be a jump start for the community center idea.

"If it works out, then we will be able to expand," Richardson said. "In an ideal world. As soon as the ice comes out, we could transition to open rec."

The data she will be able to gather on participation and usage can be used on grant applications to develop a community center.

"We can say, 'Here's your numbers.' We're not blowing smoke," she said. "We actually can prove that our community wants this."

Richardson said that all people have to do to participate is to show up.

While registration is not required, there is a form on the Canton Recreation pages on Cantonny.gov or at wdt.me/RnesTY.