What is Victory Park?
Victory Park began as Canton Softball Center, a privately owned primer softball complex. Year in and year out the center was identified as the nation’s best softball complex. Canton Softball Center consists of 12 enclosed lighted softball fields, each with its own players benches, electronic score board, and spectator stands. The park also includes a 300 seat restaurant in the middle of the complex. The parking lot has space for over 600 cars.

Two events occurred in 1999 which would change the future of Canton Softball Center. First, the United States Postal Service was scouting Canton for a new post office location. Canton agreed to sell to the United States Postal Service a portion of Griffin Park (along Canton Center). The site consisted of two very tired softball fields. Canton was continuing to grow and the need to replace and add new ball fields was apparent. At the same time the owner of Canton Softball Center indicated that the complex would be sold and removed to make way for industrial users. After completing a financial analysis it was determined that Canton would purchase the facility. It was also determined that the complex would continue as a softball business while offering a new home for greater Canton’s junior baseball / softball league.

In 2001 and 2002, improvements were made to the softball center complex. A new boulevard entrance was constructed along with new underground utility installation and repaving of the existing parking lot. A restroom pavilion building was also built in the center area between the ball diamonds to provide bathroom facilities and a sheltered picnic area. In addition, a new reader board sign was installed at the park entrance and over 200 trees were planted throughout the site. Along with the new infrastructure improvements at the softball center additional sports programs were established including flag football and cricket. Therefore, the center was renamed to reflect the diverse sports usage from Canton Softball Center to Canton Sports Center.

The purchase of Canton Softball Center also included 15 vacant acres along Michigan Avenue. For the better part of five years hockey parents voiced their desire for Canton to construct an indoor hockey facility. After many visits to other community facilities and estimating the cost of construction and forecasting operational costs it was determined by Canton officials not to construct a publicly owned facility. Instead the community solicited proposals from organizations interest in constructing a facility on land provided by Canton. In 2002 Arctic Edge Ice Arena opened to rave reviews. The 2 sheet ice facility includes locker rooms, training facilities, concession areas, a pro shop and party rooms.

At approximately the same time Canton officials were approached by a group who wished to construct a state of the art indoor soccer facility. The development group suggested that they be extended the "same deal" as the ice arena operators. Canton rejected this request because of the belief that the community, over the years, had done a great deal to support soccer. The development group decided to purchase the property and construct a soccer facility. High Velocity Soccer was constructed in 2002 and includes 3 indoor soccer fields, one roller blade rink, 2 small pee wee soccer fields, and a concession area.

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1. What is the history of Canton Leisure Services?
2. What is the Leisure Services Advisory Committee?
3. How does Leisure Services plan for the future?
4. What is the history of the Summit on the Park?
5. How do I become a member of the Summit and what does it cost?
6. Does the Summit provide child care services while I am using the facility?
7. How do I register for a program of class sponsored by Leisure Services?
8. Can I get my money back if I don't like a program?
9. If I am interested in renting one of Canton's rooms or facilities, how do I do it?
10. Besides rooms, what other types of equipment does Canton Leisure Services rent?
11. What is the history of Canton Parks?
12. What is Victory Park?
13. What is the history of Fellows Creek Golf Club?
14. What is the history of the Village Theater?
15. How do I purchase tickets for any event at the Village Theater?
16. Can I rent the Village Theater?
17. How does the Cultural Commission involve the community in developing the arts?
18. What is Cherry Hill School?
19. Can I rent one of Canton's historical buildings?
20. What is the history of the Travis Bartlett House?
21. What is the B.L.O.C.K.?
22. What types of programs are offered at the B.L.O.C.K. and how can I get to them?
23. What type of special events does Canton have for its residents?
24. What are the different youth sports groups in Canton and how can we become involved?