Robin Kay Cooke

Canton, MI Area Guide

Welcome to Canton! Canton is a charter township of Wayne County and is considered to be a suburb of Detroit. Approximately 86,000 people live in Canton, making the township one of Michigan’s fastest growing communities. Canton was the nation’s 20th safest municipalities from 2003-2006. It is conveniently located between Detroit and Ann Arbor and is known for its low crime rates, responsive local government, excellent shopping and wide range of housing opportunities.

History

The township of Canton was created by the Michigan Territorial Legislature on March 7, 1834 from the previous township of Plymouth. The township was named Canton after a city in China to avoid conflict with post offices already in existence. The first meeting held to organize the new township of Canton took place in April of 1834; Canton continues to be governed by a Board of Trustees to this day. 

By the late 1830s land had already been cleared for the town, homes were being built, farms were constructed and schools and churches were developed. In 1874 the first township hall was built at a cost of $700.

For the first settlers in the Canton area, farming was the primary source of income and livelihood. In the early days the average farm housed milk cows, hogs, hens and a few sheep. Ice was cut from nearby rivers in the winter to preserve food and milk and maple trees provided maple sugar every spring.

From 1925 to 1970 Canton became known as the “Sweet Corn Capitol of Michigan” as farmers began selling sweet corn in the Farmer’s Markets in nearby Detroit. Today sweet corn is still big business in the area and is still transported to Detroit from Canton for sale.

Parks and Recreation

The Recreation Division of Canton organizes Leisure Services programs for preschoolers, youth, teens, adults and senior citizens of the township. The Leisure Services Department, which consists of parks, recreation facilities and golf, are responsible for the administration that operates many of the health and wellness activities available in Canton. The township prides itself for having an outstanding park system where families can come together and engage in a scenic outdoor setting. 

Summit on the Park
The Summit is a state of the art facility that offers a fitness center, personal training, an aquatic center, a full-size gymnasium and a racquetball court.  A banquet and conference center and child care facilities are also available for patrons.

Victory Park http://csc.canton-mi.org
Victory Park is the place to be for sports!  The park includes the Canton Sports Center, the Arctic Edge Ice Arena, and a High Velocity Sports Center.

Pheasant Run Golf Club
Designed by golf course architect Arthur Hills, Pheasant Run Golf Club features Pencross bent grass greens and fairways. Best Management Practices ensures that turn conditions remain pristine.

Fellows Creek Golf www.fellowscreekgolf.com
Fellows Creek has a long history of being one of Michigan’s friendliest courses for golfers and features tree-lined fairways, creeks and ponds, gorgeous hardwoods and pines, and a gently rolling landscape.  There are 27 holes to enjoy including risk-reward holes and some of the best par-3s in Southeast Michigan.

For more information about programs offered through the Leisure Services Department, please visit http://leisure.canton-mi.org/.

Events

Canton is home to many exciting events that will keep you and your family entertained throughout the year. Come mingle with your neighbors at the Annual Ice Cream Social or enjoy the Family Camp-out and Movie Night. Whichever you choose, you are bound to have a great time making memories in Canton!

Annual Ice Cream Social
The Ice Cream Social celebrates National Recreation and Parks Month with a timeless community tradition.  Ice cream is served in the kitchen of the historic Cherry Hill School and comes complete with a toppings bar!  The Canton Concert Band entertains patrons on the shady lawn afterward and residents can reconnect with neighbors and friends.  Registration is not necessary, but supplies are limited!

Family Camp-Out and Movie Night
Each year families are invited to set up tents around the amphitheatre and enjoy a movie in the evening.  Before the movie there are games and entertainment for the whole family.  Trailers and mobile homes are not allowed.

Cherry Hill Arts Festival
This family-oriented event showcases the artwork of both local and regional artists in a wide variety of mediums and crafts.  Art work is available for display and for purchase.