Etowah River Trail System
The new section of trail from the oval at Etowah River Park eastward underneath Interstate 575 and to the City limits near Old Doss Road is almost completed. We are working with contractors to finalize punch-list items related to railings, landscape and erosion control on nearby creeks. This project adds 1.75 miles of paved pathways to our existing system as well as additional lengths of natural pathways on the eastern side of I-575. The project was funded using Special Purpose Local Option Sales Taxes (SPLOST) and Recreation Impact Fees collected from new developments projects in the City. Canton received a state grant for a portion of the work east of I-575 and took possession of that land as part of the consolidation agreement for fire services with Cherokee County in 2017.
Etowah River Trail System Westward
In October 2020, City Council awarded a contract to install/upgrade over 8,000 linear foot of 30" sanitary sewer lines from Heritage Park to an area near Boling Park. In addition to the sewer line, a 10-ft. wide multi-purpose trail will be constructed that will provide not only future access to the sewer easement, but will be used as a trail system connecting these two parks. The project is funded through the Water & Sewer Utility and is expected to be completed by the end of 2022.
During construction, there may be some potential closures of trail, parking and parts of Heritage Park itself. This project will add approximately 1.5 miles of paved pathways and connect the largest of Canton's three parks: Boling, Heritage and Etowah River.
Heritage Park Plyometric Outdoor Gym
In 2020, the City of Canton was chosen as one of a select few awardees in the 2020 Healthy Cities Campaign, and as such was awarded a $30,000 grant toward the purchase and construction of an outdoor plyometric gym. The gym was completed in August 2021.
Harmon Field Soccer Mini-Pitch
Atlanta United Foundation in partnership with LISC awarded a grant to the City of Canton for the creation of a soccer mini-pitch (small field) at Harmon Field. The project is in partnership with Cherokee Impact Soccer and it's foundation. A ground breaking ceremony was conducted on September 2, 2022. In attendance were community members, stakeholders, City officials, and representatives from Atkins (design firm) and TriScapes (contractor). This project will include the addition of the new mini pitch soccer field, terraced seating, new parking and sidewalks, basketball court, pavilion, and more. The project is scheduled to be completed late 2023.
Arts & Murals
Over the past few years, the City has celebrated arts by showcasing two new murals. In May of 2021, the City presented the "Legs" Mural on Railroad Street. This project was spearheaded by local artists and features the history of Canton shown through the legs of our community. The project is tied together with a blue ribbon representing the Etowah River and its prominence in the City logo.
2022 saw another mural unveiled in Downtown Canton. A 62-foot-long wall was transformed into bright coneflower blooms by local artist Madison Beaulieu. This art work can be found along North and Lee Streets in Downtown Canton.
More recently, the City presented a new mural on the Archer Street Parking Deck. The Mural, "It's a Vibe!" is the work of artist Lauren Stumberg and was presented in a ribbon cutting ceremony on April 13, 2023.
Please visit the City's Cultural Arts Commission website at https://www.cantonga.gov/our-city/visit-us/arts-commission#!/ for more information.
