Canton Park Upgrades Approved By Selectmen

CANTON, CT — Local officials last week approved funding for several additions and enhancements at Canton's main recreational hub, Mills Pond Park.

The Canton Board of Selectmen Aug. 28 unanimously approved a $15,400 appropriation from the Canton Parks and Recreation Department Special Revenue Fund for the enhancements.

Mills Pond Park, located at 14 E. Hill Road, Canton, is home to a swimming pool, tennis courts, basketball courts as well as several athletic fields and playground sites.

Canton Parks & Recreation Director Taryn Schrager, currently working as the interim town administrative officer as well, said the Canton Parks and Recreation Commission has a list of items it wanted to see at the park.

Among them, she said, were:

• More playground equipment/features for smaller children.

Planned for the park is a new, "standing" sandbox that is elevated, allowing for young children to play in it, but avoids the problem of animals using it like a litter box.

• Improved water stations where guests could fill their water bottles, especially children taking part in the town's summer camp program there.

"At this point, we know people are bringing water bottles to fill," Schrager said. "We have campers who are coming to fill up water bottles."

• Improved wheelchair access to the pool area/splash pad.

• And additional Adirondack chairs for folks to sit and relax throughout the park.

Amid further discussions with selectmen, Schrager said one issue in the future she'd like to address is replacing, adding, and improving shade structures at the park, which provide shelter from the sun.

Canton First Selectman Kevin Witkos said he's received plenty of positive feedback about the park and town staff there already.

"I did receive some correspondence from residents who had nothing by praise for Taryn and staff at Mills Pond over the summer," Witkos said.

Selectmen then quickly approved the appropriation after just a couple of minor questions.

For the minutes of the Aug. 28 Canton Board of Selectmen meeting, click on this link.

To watch the Aug. 28 Canton Board of Selectmen meeting, click on this link.