Canton has plenty of places for ARPA money
Canton is the beneficiary of $63.6 million from the federal government's multibillion-dollar American Rescue Plan Act, netting the lion's share of $72 million issued to Stark County.
We now live in a time in which $63.6 million is not considered to be a vast amount of money. If you can believe it, there are people kicking soccer balls for a lot more, but it sure still seems like a lot.
Imagine the transformation that could occur if this city spends its share smartly and with vision.
More about ARPA:Spending in Stark, Canton varies from Ohio Poverty Law Center tracker
Every Canton resident and taxpayer should have a wish list. Mine still includes an aquarium and a bowling alley downtown; swimming pools; a veterans' village; a "tiny homes" development; restoring more brick streets; giving grants to preserve the city's Victorian neighborhoods; and restoration of Tuscarawas Street ― east and west ― that reflect its historic status as the nation's first coast-to-coast highway, much in the way Route 66 has been preserved.
One thing we've done in recent years is to expand the definition of infrastructure far beyond roads, bridges, and ditches. Parks and recreational facilities also are infrastructure because they enhance and improve the overall quality of living.
The improvements made by Canton Parks & Rec, the Stark Parks walking trails, and Centennial Plaza in downtown Canton are two prime examples of infrastructure which benefits everyone.
More Canton news:Inaugural Latino Fest brightens Canton's Centennial Plaza
Another example is the J. Babe Stearn Community Center which, for decades, has offered Canton's children a positive outlet through sports.
The center has been designated to receive $300,000 in city ARPA funds for multipurpose, artificial-turf playing fields; a project in partnership with the Cal Ripken Foundation that is expected to cost at least $1.55 million.
But it may not be the best use of the ARPA money, given that a growing number of professional athletes are calling for rthe emoval of artificial turf because of non-contact injuries they say are being caused by such surfaces.
A 2018 study published by the American Chiropractic Society for Sports Medicine reported: "Biomechanical studies have shown that synthetic turf surfaces do not release cleats as readily as natural turf, and it has been hypothesized that concomitant increased loading on the foot contributes to the incidence of lower body injuries."
A story published in October by The Athletic about NFL injuries cited a 2019 American Journal of Sports Medicine study stating that “playing on artificial turf increases the risk of lower-body injury” and that “field surface has a causal effect on injury rates due to synthetic turf’s lack of ability to release an athlete’s shoe.”
In looking at ways to best invest ARPA money, an ongoing effort to reboot the Northeast Community Center also should be considered because, like J. Babe Stearn, it was an asset to the neighborhood where it was located.
The building at 2600 25th St. NE was purchased last month by Hassan Anderson, owner of the Northeast Wellness Center, who has already invested $700,000 of his own money in a facility which once boasted a swimming pool, sauna, gymnasium, weight room and meeting rooms.
The nonprofit center met its demise when it ran out of Community Development Block Grant money in 2009, leaving a gap in the community it once served.
Anderson told the Canton Repository that in addition to recreation, he wants to offer business and financial literacy programs, and workforce development, including for those with developmental disabilities.
The good news is, he's not waiting around for help.
That said, considering the untold billions in public funds that were granted to public and private entities during the COVID-19 pandemic, including some that were flat-out fraudulent, it only seems fair that some public money should be invested to reboot the Northeast Community Center.
Rebirth of center:New owner reviving the former Northeast Community Center in Canton
Making the center a viable facility again could boost neighborhood stability, community engagement, and give additional support to other amenities already in place, most notably, First Tee.
The money being spent is yours. Make it known to your city and county officials where'd you like to see it invested.
If you don't offer some input and ideas, they have every right to assume that you're OK with however they finally decide to spend it.
Charita M. Goshay is a Canton Repository staff writer and member of the editorial board. Reach her at 330-580-8313 or charita.goshay@cantonrep.com. On Twitter: @cgoshayREP
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Charita Goshay: Canton has plenty of places to spend its ARPA funds
