Canton library breaks ground on new park

Joan Schottenfeld, chair of the library trustees, addresses attendees during Saturday’s groundbreaking ceremony. (Jay Turner photo)

Last Saturday’s gloomy weather did not dampen the mood at the Canton Public Library as town and library leaders came together to officially break ground on the new library park.

The focus of the second phase of the library’s “Next Chapter” improvement program, the park is slated to be built on the front lawn of the library and will feature new lighting, comfortable seating, shade structures, wayfinding signage, electrical access, a patio, and native plantings for all to enjoy. New Hampshire-based Belko Landscaping has been selected to build the park, starting this fall with hardscape work. The plantings will be done in the spring, as will the installation of the more than 300 bricks purchased by residents and local businesses in support of the project.

Last week’s groundbreaking featured remarks by Library Director Andrea Capone, Library Board of Trustees Chairperson Joan Schottenfeld, Select Board Chair JR McCourt, and David McCarthy of the Canton Community Preservation Committee, which has committed funding for the Next Chapter program in its past two grant cycles, including more than $450,000 earmarked specifically for the library park.

“It’s always a privilege for the CCPC to support projects and strengthen institutions like the library — places we come to attend community meetings, learn, connect, and feel part of the town’s story,” said McCarthy.

While noting that he moved to Canton later in life, McCarthy said the library holds a special place in his heart because it is where his husband, Dr. Alan Rapoport, went as a young student to study, read, learn and grow. “Knowing that today’s students and residents of all generations are still discovering the town, exploring, and finding themselves within these walls is important to me,” he said. “The work of the trustees, [Library Director Capone], and the entire library team exemplifies the kind and thoughtful stewardship of this community vision that makes the CCPC investment so valuable.”

Following the remarks, officials made their way outdoors to put their ceremonial shovels in the ground as onlookers cheered. Kids in attendance were also given toy hard hats and had a chance to shovel some of the newly excavated dirt, and all guests were invited back inside to enjoy some refreshments.

For more information on the Next Chapter program or to make a donation, go to library.canton.ma.us/582/The-Next-Chapter.

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