BY JOSH DAVISNorth Country This Week

CANTON— Swimming is banned at Canton’s Taylor Park this summer.

Storm damage caused last spring has resulted in dangerous conditions in the water at Taylor Park beach, including a steep dropoff and trees that have made the swimming area unsuitable for recreation.

Taylor Park beach will be closed for the entirety of the 2025 season, following an on-site assessment by the New York State Department of Health.

Canton Recreation Director Meghan Richardson announced Tuesday, May 13 that all swimming and wading areas will be closed for the season due to a potentially dangerous slope of the riverbed and large debris, primarily trees, stuck in the water.

The park incurred widespread damage as a result of spring flooding and tropical storm Debby in Aug. 2024.

Richardson said that her department will make efforts to reopen the beach for the 2026 season, saying that the state Department of Environmental Conservation and Department of Health have been helpful in moving the process forward.

During a pre-season inspection, the Canton Recreation Department was informed that the New York State Department of Health would not issue a Bathing Beach Permit until the dangerous slope is modified to ensure a gradual transition into the swimming area, and the debris removed.

Repairs at Taylor Park beach will be subject to environmental requirements that consider nearby wetlands and wildlife as prescribed by the State Department of Environmental Conservation.

After withstanding two severe storms last summer, one catastrophic, Taylor Park Beach closed for a two-week stint starting on July 11 only to be closed for the season following Storm Debby on Aug. 8, 2024.

"Climate change is causing stormwater patterns that are negatively impacting the public, as a whole, one way or another,” Mary Ann Ashley, Canton Town Supervisor said.

Swimming will not be eliminated from the recreation department’s list of summer activities. In addition to the department’s swim lessons program, Richardson is working with Canton Central School to offer community swim hours at the school’s new pool.

Taylor Park will remain open as a picnic area and car-top boat launch.

The picnic shelter remains available to rent for private events, and the department is currently gauging their ability to offer kayak rentals.

For more information, visit Canton’s municipal website, www.cantonny.gov/services/parks_recreation/

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