City officials and community members gathered at King Park on June 25 to celebrate the launch of the Canton Police Department’s new “Police in Parks” program, a community outreach and safety initiative aimed at strengthening relationships between law enforcement and residents in city neighborhoods.
The event was part of the department’s ongoing “We Believe in Canton” festivities and featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, Police Chief John Gabbard, Mayor William V. Sherer II, Canton Councilwoman Brenda Kimbrough, and Canton Parks and Recreation Director Doug Foltz.
Chief Gabbard said the initiative is designed to foster meaningful conversations between police officers and residents in calm, neutral spaces—outside the context of emergencies or crisis situations.
“When I designed the ‘We Believe in Canton’ events, I intentionally utilized the city park system,” Gabbard said. “Canton parks are integral parts of every neighborhood in the city. The idea was shaped when I visited King Park and saw its beautiful pergola, curbstone walls, and benches. I knew it was a perfect setting for small neighborhood meetings and police engagement.”
The Police in Parks program involves the adoption of six city parks: King Park, Maryland Park, Brian’s Park, Vassar Hill Park, Harmont Park, and Crenshaw Park. Each location will feature upgrades aimed at both improving safety and creating welcoming spaces for community gatherings. Planned improvements include surveillance cameras connected to the city’s Real-Time Crime Center, upgraded lighting, new seating, pergolas, and cement pads. Informational plaques highlighting historical milestones and figures from the police department will be installed and updated throughout the year.
“These focus areas are designed for small meetings or presentations where our officers can listen to concerns or provide information,” Gabbard said. “It’s about relationship-building in moments outside of crisis. We want families to feel comfortable and safe enjoying their neighborhood parks.”
The initiative builds on the department’s investment in technology and community engagement. Gabbard said the combination of real-time public safety tools and face-to-face neighborhood dialogue is already showing promise in reducing crime and encouraging resident involvement.
Mayor Sherer praised the program’s mission and potential impact.
“Any opportunity we have to better reach our residents and improve public safety is a win in my book,” Sherer said. “I appreciate Chief Gabbard’s vision in implementing Police in Parks in our neighborhoods and the great conversations we will have with our community.”
Gabbard, who first began discussing the program publicly in May 2024, said he chose the six parks based on their proximity to residential areas, schools, and churches—places where increased safety and visibility can have the greatest impact.
For now, city leaders are hopeful that the program becomes a long-term model for how police and residents can build trust—one park conversation at a time.
