New year brings new name to Canton department
The new year will bring a name change to Canton Township. Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, the Leisure Services and Community Development Departments have merged and will become Canton Parks, Recreation & Community Services (CPRCS), “reflecting the continuing evolution of services, facilities, recreational programs, classes, events, and green space preservation within the Canton community,” according to officials.
The rebranded department name clarifies the numerous roles of the department and will help residents more easily identify it as the central resource for all things parks, recreation, and community services, explained department Director Jon LaFever.
“As the Canton community grows, so do the needs for recreation, green space conservation, as well as community amenities and services, leading to new initiatives in parks, recreation, and community services,” LaFever, whose new title is Canton Parks, Recreation, & Community Services Director, said. “This new department name better reflects our current strategic goals as we move into the next decades of services greatly expanding the impact of traditional parks and recreation and residents can expect the same high-quality programs and services from its dedicated staff.”
The combined departments annually offer more than 2,000 innovative programs, classes, and events that enhance the quality of life for all ages and abilities in the Canton community. State-of-the-art facilities currently maintained by the new township department, include: the Summit on the Park Community Center, The Village Theater at Cherry Hill, the Canton Sports Center, The B.L.O.C.K. Youth & Teen Center, Pheasant Run Golf Club, Canton Club 55+ senior center, as well as community parks, historical sites, and more. Residents can expect the same high-quality programs and services from this dedicated staff, LaFever noted.
Originally accredited in 2004 by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies, CPRCS is currently one of three accredited agencies in the state of Michigan and 222 nation-wide. For more information about Canton Parks, Recreation & Community Services, call (734) 394-5360 or visit www.cantonfun.org.
