Realtors roll up their sleeves to put some spring in downtown Canton park

May 1—CANTON — A $7,500 national grant secured by local Realtors has provided benches and new landscaping at Sorrells Street Park in Canton.

In addition to funding the improvements, Realtors dug in for a day of service on Friday, April 19, to spruce up the park with landscaping.

The Realtors' day of service is a regular event in Haywood where those accustomed to working together turn their efforts outward to help the community. Realtors also helped build a Haywood Habitat house in Chestnut Park in Waynesville, delivered food to The Community Kitchen in Canton and pet supplies to the Friends of the Haywood County Animal Shelter. In all, the real estate agencies gathered and donated 4,379 pounds of food and pet supplies.

"Realtors give back to the community all the time," said Waynesville Realtor Amy Spivey. "Under the Canopy Foundation, we have such an opportunity to make a long-lasting legacy in the county."

Spivey wrote a grant to beautify Sorrells Street Park through the Canopy Housing Foundation. In addition to landscaping materials, four additional benches that matched existing ones at the Sorrells Street Park's splash pad, were part of the purchases.

Canton Mayor Zeb Smathers said the town was thankful for the project.

"The beautification of Sorrells Street Park aligns perfectly with Canton's overarching revitalization efforts," Smathers said. "As the only public green space located in downtown historic Canton, the park holds immense significance for our community. By enhancing the park with seating and landscaping, we aim to create a vibrant gathering place that fosters community engagement and pride."

Sam Dunbar, the Canton Recreation Department director, was on hand to assist in the landscaping efforts of more than a dozen Realtors gathered on site.

"This is super-exciting," he said as pockets of colorful plants and shrubs were planted in record time across the park. "The volunteer help is appreciated as much as the benches and plants."

The community services efforts are nothing new to the local real estate community, said Steve Barnes, Allen Tate broker in charge and Canopy board member.

"The Haywood Realtor community is especially tight-knit," he said. "Events like this make our day. We strongly believe in supporting our community and its needs just as they support us."

Allison Jennings, executive director of Canton's Community Kitchen, said the food donations came in at a time when supplies were short.

"We received 2,536 pounds of food along with $750 in monetary donations. This food drive is held every year, and we are so blessed and grateful to receive it," she said.

The Community Kitchen provides an evening meal and food boxes for those who have trouble making ends meet.

In 2020, the Haywood Board of Realtors merged with the regional Canopy Realtor Association. The Canopy Housing Foundation serves as the charitable arm. The merger netted $500,000 in proceeds, which has been earmarked for affordable housing.

Spivey said they hope to make a meaningful impact in the affordable housing landscape when the right opportunity comes along.

Meanwhile, Canopy continues to provide grants to member counties to support local housing initiatives such as the homeless shelter, Haywood Habitat for Humanity or Mountain Projects.

"As stewards of the community, Realtors are keenly aware that transforming sites like Sorrells Street Park only serve to build a stronger community and create a place to bring families and neighbors together," said Charisma Southerland, president of Canopy Realtor Association and broker with Allen Tate Company. "We consider it a privilege to serve alongside our Haywood County community partners to create a welcoming space for gathering and recreation."

Howard Martin, head of the Haywood County Animal Shelter, was unable to be reached by press deadline.