Commission News!

We are proud to report that our commission now has a valid set of bylaws, adopted rules and a dedicated group of volunteers. We are now focused on providing appealing programs to satisfy the diverse interest of local citizens. The Commission hopes to provide a comprehensive and balanced recreation program by:

• Revitalizing the Williams Field Playground
• Offering public recreation programs for all ages
• Sponsoring special event and special interest programs
• Assisting community groups in recreation oriented activities
• Assisting in the maintenance of public recreation areas and facilities

2011 Summer Activities

Cozy Corner Camp, Library Quest, Art Camps in clay, printmaking and painting, and Sports Camps in field hockey, baseball, softball and soccer.

For Adults: Sunrise Yoga on the beach at Canaan Street Lake – great way to wake up on a summer morning!

Fall Program Cross-Cross

Country Running Program Sponsored by Canaan Recreation:
Middle School students meet and train with aspiring Olympians
Grades 5-8; Events operate from Indian River School and on local trails.*

*NEWSFLASH!

This exciting program has been a real success and fully booked up even after expanding the Olympic bound coaches to three. Thanks to the non-profit group IN THE ARENA that recruits and supports the would be Olympians that serve as coaches. The new program is the first cooperative recreation program using school facilities and recreation staff and volunteers. The program operates under both recreation and school rules. Thanks also to Jenny Williams of Vermont for organizing the program. In-the-arena.org

2011 Fall Programs

After Hours with Canaan Recreation:

Best Afternoon Ever was an afterschool activity program at the elementary school. Twenty kids joined in the acticvities.

Spanish Dance offered people a chance to learn the joys of Spanish dancing. Seventeen adults and youth joined this program led by Yaskara Newcomb.

Two separate workshops on Holiday Crafts and Holiday Gifts were held with 12 participants in each.

A Boot Camp on Adult Fitness and Nutrition was conducted this fall with 12 adults taking part.

         

Total Participants in the fall program – 73 adults and youth.

Canaan Recreation is planning programs for the spring now. If there are topics you'd like to see – Call BEV nowat 523-9151!

If there is a topic you'd like to teach or lead – Call BEV now!

Events Planned for 2012

• Cozy Corner Summer Camp 1st through 4th graders Located at Cozy Corner in Canaan
• Field Hockey Summer Camp 4th through 8th graders

Watch for the Play Canaan Newsletter (links on the right sidebar) and this site for future news!

• Bev Chapman, Chair
• Angie Blake, Secretary
• Tammy Furman
• Carol Medeiros
• Yaskara Newcomb
• Marvin Rocke (ex-officio)
• Marcia Wilson, Selectmen's Representative

The Canaan Recreation Commission Partners with the Following Groups:

Friends of the Playground:

Supporting the reconstruction of the playground at Williams Field
Friends of Canaan Playground

Great progress has been made toward the fundraising goal for the new playground at Williams Field, and a preliminary design has been presented.

To help out, contact Yaskara Newcomb at 523-9220, friendsoftheplayground@hotmail.com

Upper Valley HEAL (Healthy Eating Active Living)

Working to create a healthy, active environment
Upper Valley HEAL

A community brainstorming session identified the following list of priority needs:

• Develop a community trails/pathways map
• Revive swimming lessons at Canaan Street Lake
• Offer "easy-entry" adult sports and fitness instruction/outdoor trips
• Create a safe pathway to Canaan Street Lake from downtown Canaan
• Create a safe road crossing on Route 4 from the Rail Trail to Indian River Middle School

See Full Report Here

Find a full list of nearby
Natural Resources, Activities, and Attractions
on our Community Page!

Water:

Canaan Street Lake

The Town of Canaan maintains a public beach on Canaan Street opposite the Meeting House and next to the Museum on Canaan Street Lake. The beach has bathrooms and changing areas and parking. There is a shallow boat launch but there are no lifeguards provided. There are picnic tables across the street at the Meeting House common.

 

Goose Pond

There is a boat launch and picnic area at the north end of Goose Pond that is open to the public and maintained by NH Fish and Game. The area is also frequented by swimmers but there is no developed beach at the site. There is a small beach area near the dam at the south end of Goose Pond that is also open to the public. More Info Here!

Clark Pond

There is a boat launch at the south end of the public access road at Clark Pond with parking.


More Info Here!

Mountains

Cardigan Mountain offers several scenic mountain top trails at one of the highest mountains in the area.

Park & Map Information: Friends of Mount Cardigan NH State Parks Hiking Map Link

Public Spaces

Williams Field

Williams Field was created in 1927 through a gift of Arthur Williams family of Orange. There is a lighted ball field, lighted horseshoe pits and a youth playground at the facility. Adjacent to the field is the Cozy Corner building which is used for summer youth programs. The Field is used by softball and horseshoe leagues as well as inter-community games, school softball for the middle school, individual play and fund-raising games for local organizations. During the summer and fall it also hosts town wide yard sales and Old Home Day activities. A log cabin refreshment stand was donated by Charlie Neily in 1976.

Town Green

At the intersections of Routes 4 and 118, the Town Green is the focus of downtown Canaan's commerce and community life. Regular events include Band Concerts, the Farmers' Market, and Town Wide Yard Sale.

For permission to use the Green or Williams Field for public events or the posting of signs, please contact the Town Administrator at 523-4501 x5. Posting signs without permission is prohibited.