Passive Parks Now in Canton, GA

It’s summertime…the kids are bored, they’re tired of the pool, they don’t want to be stuck inside staring at each other anymore, and you’re trying to think of something economical to keep them entertained. You think, Aha! Let’s take a picnic lunch to the park! We’ll take a football or Frisbee and the kids can run around playing catch with each other while we munch on watermelon and sandwiches. What a perfect afternoon! Well…not so perfect if that park you are planning on taking them to is in the City of Canton. This past April, Canton’s City Council voted to enforce the municipal ordinance that makes the parks “passive” parks instead of “active” parks…Huh??? That’s right, folks, City of Canton parks now require anyone wishing to “picnic, party, host a sporting event or theatrical or other entertainment performance” to pay a fee and obtain a permit before being allowed to conduct any of those activities in the park. Additionally, as a “passive” park, there will be no throwing footballs, playing soccer, tossing the Frisbee, playing catch or chasing the dog without going through all the rigmarole of fees and permits. 

I know, I know, you must be as confused as I am. Pay a fee? Obtain a permit?? I can think of few ideas that are more baffling. Why would you want to make ANY park a passive park? Isn’t the idea of a park so you can go and run and play, or practice your catching skills with Dad on a Saturday morning? I have many a memory from my childhood of my Nana taking my brother and I to the park to run around and expend some energy. My son loves playing catch or kicking the soccer ball around…why aren’t you able to do this in the parks anymore? Parks are meant for playing! You can be “passive” at home. If you want peace and quiet to read a book, sit on your porch! Kids can’t play Frisbee on the back porch.

I think City Council needs to revisit this issue immediately. I understand perhaps some modifications to the ordinance should be made, but don’t go to the extreme other end of the spectrum. How will this affect the Canton Real Estate market? Hmm…I guess that’s yet to be determined, but it could affect the desirability of the city. Would it be a deciding factor in your decision to move to Canton? What are your thoughts on passive vs. active parks? I’d love to hear what you think, so let me know!
 

• Rate this Post!

  Select Your Rating:

  • 5 Stars (Excellent!)
  • 4 Stars
  • 3 Stars
  • 2 Stars
  • 1 Stars (Poor)

• Share this Post

  Share With A Friend:

  Your Name Your Email

  Friend's Name Friend's Email

  Optional Message

  Send

• Print
• Social Bookmarking

  Add to Bookmarks: