Habitat for Humanity builds more than just a playground in southeast Canton

CANTON − Residents of a southeast Canton neighborhood say a new recreation site built by Habitat for Humanity East Central Ohio is more than a nice play to play.

It's a promise and a commitment.

About 150 people attended a dedication Thursday of the Southeast Community Playground on the campus of the former Lathrop School, now the Paralee Watkins Compton Learning Center at 1445 14th St. SE.

"This is a celebration of the people of southeast Canton," said Habitat CEO Beth Lechner, who noted that the project was the result of a partnership between Habitat, city, Canton City Schools and residents.

Lechner was inspired to pursue the playground after conversations with long-term residents reminiscing about Jackson Park, once a popular community gathering place, and newer residents who wanted a safe play for their children to play.

In recent years, Habitat has concentrated on new construction and existing home repairs in the same neighborhood where its first house was built 45 years ago, and where the chapter built its 600th home last summer.

"We realized we had to step out of our 'house box,'" Lechner said. "There wasn't an ideal place for the neighborhood kids to play."

More than just monkey bars on blacktop, the Southeast Community Playground boasts a massive, two-story jungle gym, two regulation-sized basketball courts, a walking track, kickball field, a picnic shelter, park benches and an outdoor stage.

Its centerpiece is a tribute wall displaying the names of families, churches and businesses that once occupied the neighborhood before being uprooted by urban renewal in the 1970s and '80s. Lechner encourages the community to submit names for the wall by email at: setribute@habitateco.org.

"We'll be accepting names through next year," she said.

Brandon Ruffin, a lifelong resident of the neighborhood, lauded the result.

"We finally got something like Jackson Township. We don't need to go out there," he said. "Hopefully, people will respect it."

South East Neighborhood Association: 'They kept their word.'

Dansella Williams, president of the South East Neighborhood Association, said Lechner constantly asked residents for their input.

"It came out more beautiful than the plans they showed us," she said. "They kept their word. So many people come in and do stuff without asking us. Habitat always sought our input. I appreciate that. When she comes into somebody's community, she makes sure she involves them. This place is important to us; it's important to me. It's important we take pride in ourselves, and take ownership."

The Rev. Michael Pressley grew up on Sherrick Road SE, where he now pastors the Mount Zion Church of God in Christ.

"I think it's awesome," he said. "You need things like this. Habitat is not only building homes, but building community. A lot of our neighborhoods don't have anything close to this."

Pressley said he and his wife drive to the neighborhood on weekdays just to walk the track at the new playground. Mount Zion, which purchased a park bench, is a member of Habitat's Faith Build program, one of 13 partner churches in the southeast quadrant.

"Our church will be using this," Pressley said.

Cynthia Hopkins said her late mother, Lathrop School Principal Minnie Hopkins would be proud. During her 10-year tenure at Lathrop, Hopkins installed playground equipment for children with special needs.

Councilwoman Chris Smith: 'The most incredible, fantastic thing.'

"This is the most incredible, fantastic thing that ever happened to Ward 4," said Ward 4 Councilwoman Chris Smith, who attended Lathrop School as a child. "I'm so grateful for Habitat. For them to be so passionate about building a playground as housing, I think it's a great thing."

Smith, who spearheaded the construction of a spray park in southeast Canton, said more features will be added to the park.

During the dedication, Lechner shared that Habitat approached the school district with the idea last year. An agreement was reached in which the district will maintain the playground and allow public access.

Superintendent Jeff Talbert said the project is in line with a vision some students shared with him for the property.

"Habitat had a vision for this land which was in line with what we wanted to do," he said. "This is a time in our community where, if we're going to realize what kind of community we can be, we're going to have to come together on projects like this. This is what happens when a community works together."

The project cost an estimated $775,000. Habitat secured funding through $350,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds from the city, and a combined $400,000 from the Stark County Health Department Healthy Communities grant; McKenzie Scott Gift Dollars, Republic Services, Vasco Asphalt and individuals.

Mayor Thomas Bernabei said the project had his full support because it's in keeping with Lechner's commitment to Canton residents.

"This happened because of Beth's love for this entire community," he said.

Courtney Brown, Habitat's director of family partnerships, said too many people have long regarded southeast Canton as an area under a cloud.

"I think we can decree that God is here," she said.

As part of the dedication, 8-year-old Yetzael Vargas-Rivera recited a prayer in English and Spanish. His family, including dad Frankie, mom Yazira and baby sister Amayah, will be moving into a new Habitat home on Housel Avenue SE at the end of September.

Pressley said he hopes the Southeast Community Playground becomes a model for other neighborhoods.

"I think this is a picture of what the future is going to look like," he said.

Lehner said Habitat is committed to the people of southeast Canton.

"It's all because of all of you," she told the crowd. "The words and the dreams and the memories you had."

To learn more, visit https://www.habitateco.org/ or call 330-915-5888.

Editor's note: This story has ben updated with corrected information

Reach Charita at 330-580-8313 or charita.goshay@cantonrep.com.

On Twitter: @cgoshayREP

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Habitat for Humanity dedicates new playground in southeast Canton