Canton receives $110,000 donation to finish All‑Abilities Playground; mayor proposes dedication

Mayor Zeb Smathers announced on March 14 that Mrs. Debbie Wilson had sent a check for $110,000 to complete the town's All‑Abilities Playground, adding to a prior $50,000 gift from the Wilson Family Foundation.

"This was a Legacy because this playground will be enjoyed for years to come," Mayor Smathers said, and he suggested the board dedicate the completed playground to Ken and Debbie Wilson in recognition of their long-standing community support.

Board members praised the gift as transformative for recreation access. Alderwoman Mull thanked local media and town staff for supporting the board's work and called the Wilson gift "truly a legacy." Alderman Hamlett said Ken Wilson's funeral procession reflected his impact on Canton and Haywood County, and Alderman Shepard reminded the board that Ken Wilson previously paid $150,000 to replace lights at the baseball fields after the 2004 flood. Alderwoman Proctor described the donation as "awesome" and noted the town's recreational facilities, including newly frequented pickleball and dog‑park areas, are seeing heavy use.

The announcement follows the council's affirmation of priorities for completing the playground; the mayor said finishing the project was urgent, and town staff will proceed with final construction and dedication planning. No formal vote on naming was recorded at the meeting.