Flooding and vandalism cause Canton park closure
The playground at Canton Township park on Mark Avenue remains off-limits until May 1.
The playground is empty and the gate is chained as signs are posted announcing that the Canton Township park on Mark Avenue is closed.
The gate is chained and signs are posted announcing the Canton Township park on Mark Avenue is closed.
Canton Township residents flocked to the municipal park at 2339 Jefferson Ave. on Sunday to take advantage of the 66-degree temperature. They were met by a closed sign and a roped-off parking lot.
Dana Miller, a township property owner, drove over with her grandchildren.
“I just hate to teach my grandkids that the park is closed and then go in,” she said. “I couldn’t bring myself to do it.”
Though Miller obeyed the signs, many others parked elsewhere and walked in.
Miller said she called the municipal building Monday to ask about the signs and was told the park would open later in the year.
“Finally, the weather is nice and everyone is anxious to get out, and the park’s closed,” Miller said.
Ken Bonnell, chairman of the township park and recreation council, said damage caused by vandalism and flooding led to the decision to close until May 1.
“We try to keep it as nice as we can,” he said. “This is what we’re dealing with.”
According to Bonnell, vandals have damaged picnic tables and destroyed a handicapped-accessible swing. Heavy rains this winter have caused flooding of a creek that runs behind the park and saturated the ground. People have driven on the grass, leaving ruts in the soggy soil.
Bonnell, who said it’s not unusual for a municipality to close outdoor facilities for the winter, said the township has invested about $100,000 in the park, including a new gazebo with a ramp to be installed.
He said the closure is also a safety issue, as fallen limbs need to be removed.
“I’d love to open it, but it’s the situation we’re in,” he said. “We’re doing the best we can.”
Bonnell advised people to obey the signs.
“They shouldn’t be in there,” he said. “The park is closed.”