BY PAUL MITCHELLNorth Country This Week

CANTON – There’s going to be a new recreational opportunity this summer at Bend in the River Park.

Canton Recreation Director Meghan Richardson notes that from July 15 to Aug. 9, the Canton Pavilion and the adjacent park area will be transformed into an arena of sports and games, all available for public use.

Called Open Recreation, the assortment of games and activities will include pickleball, badminton, basketball, volleyball, lawn games, and card and board games. The new program will be open Monday through Friday only from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. All the activities are free of charge.

“Different activities will be set up daily and all you have to do is show up. Participate in a scheduled activity or start your own game with friends,” said Richardson.

A team of recreation staff will be on hand to monitor activities and assist patrons, Richardson stated.

“It’s a neat idea. I call it structured unorganized chaos,” said Richardson. “It’s nice to let’s say on a Thursday night, let’s go shoot some hoops,” said Richardson. “The idea developed just from talking with people and parents with kids.”

 Registration is not required. All patrons are asked to check in at the main office at the pavilion then  staff can help direct participants to the proper playing area. All patrons under the age of 18 are required to be checked in by a parent or guardian.

“This is a drop-in program which allows adults to drop off and pick up children at any time they wish,” Richardson said.

She said the recreation leaders may suggest having a movie night with popcorn. We just want to keep it fun. It’s something new and something that will evolve as we go,” she added.

Inside the pavilion will be two pickleball courts that double as badminton courts, a basketball court and cornhole boards.

The public is encouraged to fill out an interest form that could help generate grant money. Access the form at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdbrRyb7ORxA2Ky9RpcUibBxww7r3OSKlL1VlqIMcYcrcVN8A/viewform