Canton's passive parks allow little freedom for active play

The open, grassy fields of two of the city's parks look like the perfect spot for pickup games, but walking trails surround that green space, not bleachers.

"The parks weren't designed for athletics," said David Cangemi, the city's director of public works.

Heritage Park and parts of Boling Park were designed as "passive" parks, tree-lined walking trails surrounded by green space.

Plans are under way for the Cherokee County city to have its own athletic complex.

Last fall, Cherokee County voters agreed to pay higher property taxes to finance $90 million worth of park and recreation projects. Canton's share should be $6 million to $9 million, Mayor Gene Hobgood said. The tax bills will go out in October.

"It is going to happen," Cangemi said. "It's just a matter of time."

Park plans include several ball fields, tennis and basketball courts and possibly a dog park, he said.

Passive parks, or those without athletic fields, are not unique to Canton. Cobb County has them, said Rusty Simpson, natural resources manager for the county. East Cobb Park is an example.

DeKalb, Gwinnett and Fulton counties also have passive parks, but there are more active parks in densely populated areas.

Canton's population has surged to more than 21,000, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, up from not quite 8,000 in 2000. It is the second most-populated city in Cherokee behind Woodstock. Now, more parks are needed to meet residents' needs.

Nestled behind a strip mall near downtown Canton, Heritage Park is almost hidden among the trees, behind the local YMCA. On sunny afternoons, some run or walk on the park's trails. Families arrive after dinnertime, and kids bring their bicycles.

But the signs at the park make it clear in English and Spanish: This is a passive park.

Fidel Gomez, a native of Mexico, moved to Canton in 1998. Gomez, a father of two, said the Latino population continues to grow, and soccer is popular.

"In Mexico, the parks are free to play whenever they want to play," said Gomez, whose family gathered for picnics and soccer at Boling Park until the fields were closed. "They [Latinos in Canton] had no idea it was prohibited. Now that they don't have a place to play."

Gomez, who runs a nonprofit group that helps teach English to Spanish speakers, has helped educate others about the park rules. He worries that prohibiting pickup soccer games will cause problems, particularly among young people with nothing to do.

Still, Hobgood contends the park rules help keep everyone safe. Parents pushing children in strollers shouldn't have to worry about a stray Frisbee.

If a father and son want to toss a football, they won't get arrested, Hobgood said. But don't bring the church softball team.

Cesar and Leigh Tirado bring their 18-month-old daughter to Heritage Park some evenings. No dogs —- and no dog droppings —- means one less thing little Gabriella can pick up and put in her mouth.

Her husband is a native of Ecuador, so Leigh Tirado says she understands how important soccer is in the Latino community.

"There are very few wide open spots," she said. "There's just not a lot of room."