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Canton Town reports strong summer program attendance, park improvements and July 4+1 plans
Summary
Town officials reported robust Summer Camp and pool use, finalized placement of a public bear sculpture, and confirmed a train shipment and shared parking for July 4+1 events; a requested Pride sponsorship received no motion due to lack of funds.
Town officials reported a busy start to the summer recreation season and several park and event updates at the June 13 Canton Town special meeting.
Mayor Zeb Smathers and Interim Manager Stinnett praised Recreational Director Sam Dunbar and noted that Summer Camp had been a "huge success." Staff reported roughly 3,000 pool visitors to date and that 36 pool passes have been sold. Pool concessions have brought in about $1,056 and limited concessions at the IP Complex have earned $880.
Manager Stinnett said the new playground under construction should be completed in August. The Turner Stage at Recreation Park was completely refurbished with assistance from Carroll Nelson and Haywood Builders Supply; Stinnett said Nelson paid out of pocket for the work, at no cost to the town. DOT approved placement options for a 9-by-5‑foot bear sculpture; after discussion Alderwoman Mull moved to place the bear at the bulb out in front of Kobe’s and Alderman Hamlett seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
The board confirmed a florist ribbon-cutting on June 21 and that a train ordered for the July 4+1 event is set to ship the following week; the town will pay the vendor and be reimbursed by the Cruso Endowment. Evergreen granted permission to use its parking lot for the carnival July 1–7 to allow for setup and teardown.
Ms. Robin Black used public comment to thank the town for preserving community traditions and noted that the Mama T’s Memorial Day weekend event drew over 3,000 people and will hold a flea market on June 15. A sponsorship request for First Pride on Main was presented but received no motion after board members said the town has no funds to sponsor the event.
The recreation updates were routine informational items; several require follow-up for logistics and scheduling ahead of July events.
