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Canton Dog Park named after Alan Duncan

  • jfitts0
  • Jan 26, 2024
  • 7 min read

Updated: Jan 28, 2024

By John Fitts Staff Writer

 

Alan Duncan with Lily, one of his beloved poodles.

CANTON – With a unanimous vote by the Board of Selectmen this week, the town’s dog park will officially be named after the late Alan Duncan, who spearheaded the effort to build the facility.

The park, set on a 6.89-acre, town-owned parcel on Commerce Drive adjacent to the Farmington River Trail, opened in the fall of 2020 after five years of exploring sites, fundraising, securing approvals from numerous town boards and commissions, additional fundraising and lining up contractors. It was a complicated process that involved a land-swap, forming the non-profit Friends of Canton Dog Park, town approvals and raising some $55,000 to fund the construction and the first few years of ongoing maintenance.

“It seemed like a great idea, but making it all happen was a monumental task and driving it all was Alan Duncan,” Natalie Travers, board member and past president of Friends of Canton Dog Park, said at a recent public hearing about the naming proposal. “This park was his baby and even when his health started to fail – when we undertook the actual construction of the park – I could always turn to the magical Alan Duncan binder. In it he had painstakingly collected plans, bids, potential contractors, bylaws, proposed rules. I marvel at the time and organization that man invested in this project.”

“It’s fair to say that we all love this town and most of us love the dog park. What set Alan Duncan apart is that he actually made it happen,” Travers said. “He worked tirelessly toward this goal and without him it just would not have been built. I believe it’s only right that it be named in his honor.”

While the idea of such a facility had surfaced over the years, Mr. Duncan, who moved to town in 1972, proposed one after visiting an area dog park.

“He was inspired by going to the Granby Dog Park,” said his wife Anne. “I remember the day he said ‘why doesn’t Canton have a dog park? I’m going to talk to the Recreation Department, see what they have to say.’”

Mr. Duncan first approached the Parks and Recreation Commission in 2015 and quickly gained support for the effort, including from then Director of Parks and Recreation, Dr. Joshua T. Medeiros.

Alan Duncan speaks at the opening of the Canton Dog Park in 2020.

“Josh was just as enthusiastic and that really buoyed Alan’s spirits – I would say – tremendously because if you have somebody on board with you, what a difference it makes," Anne Duncan said. "He didn’t want to in any way appear that he was bucking the system or anything like that. That’s not Alan’s nature.  He was a gentle soul. He just wanted to get it done. And honestly, I think he thought it would be done in about three months.”

Anne, who is also very active in volunteer efforts, knew it might take a bit more time.

“I kept saying ‘Alan, hold on. It’s going to take a little longer than that,’” she said.

The bit longer ended up being approximately 5 years. A self-taught woodworker, teacher and tennis and golf enthusiast, Mr. Duncan was also familiar with volunteering. He had served in the Peace Corps and participated in other efforts, particularly the Canton Land Conservation Trust Board of Directors, and the North Canton Fire Department. He worked as a school psychologist in Suffield.

And while his health was faltering and he had to step back a little, Mr. Duncan was present on the day the park was officially dedicated in 2020.

“He knew that he had Alzheimer’s, and he knew he couldn’t run the show anymore and he’s not a run the show kind of guy, but he really wanted to see it to the end,” Anne Duncan said, adding that she is so thankful for the wide array of volunteers who joined Alan in the early days of the effort and took over the reins.

“What a nice group of people. They picked up the pieces and kept on going,” she said. “Aren’t we lucky to have a dog park in our town? And I think it’s well appreciated.”


Jan. 10 , 2024 Board of Selectmen meeting

To that end, some of those who spoke at the Jan. 10 board of Selectmen Public hearing said the dog park has truly become a popular destination drawing from the area – and even out of state residents.

“We have people coming from Torrington… Litchfield County and all the other towns in the Farmington Valley,” said co-president of the Friends of Canton Dog Park, Barry Deutsch, who in October of 2023 made the application to name the park after Mr. Duncan. Deutsch said one of Mr. Duncan’s goals to create the best dog park in the area that would not only be in town but also a true asset to the area.

“I’ve talked to many of these people, and they say that by far this is the best dog park in the area, that’s why they come," he said. "It has proven to be an asset.”


Resident John Black said he has counted 10 out-of-state cars at the site.

“This has really been an asset and it’s really gone over quite well,” he said.


Jim Carpenter, a neighbor and close friend, also talked of Mr. Duncan’s efforts, his volunteerism, his work helping others and of course, his love of dogs. He especially loved poodles.

“He was a (school) psychologist by profession in the Suffield school system and dog psychologist upon retirement,” said Carpenter who also noted Mr. Duncan’s visit to the Granby facility.

“Through that he realized that we should have a dog park here in town and so he, through many years of effort, spearheaded putting this together with many trials and tribulations and I think is very deserving of this ability of it to be named after him.”


Leah Lopez Schmalz is another resident who became closely involved with the effort and has served in various roles with the Friends of Canton Dog Park. Like others, she got involved after seeing one of the many fliers Mr. Duncan posted in the area.

At the Jan. 10 public hearing, she provided many details of the years’ long effort but also to Alan’s drive and personality, calling him a “gentle, kind-hearted, community driven man.”

“What I learned in that initial night was how much a sense of community meant to Alan. He was hoping to build a dog park, of course, but in the process he was also building friendships and deepening the connections to our town.”

She also noted the time he spent talking to area residents, patrons of the Collinsville Farmers Market, board members and others and noted that there were those opposed to the concept.


Canton First Selectman Kevin Witkos holds up the sign that will be posted at the park.

“Even when the conversations would get heated or contentious, Alan always led with understanding and kindness," Lopez Schmalz said.

“In conclusion, a vision that started with one man talking to parks and rec ended with a community funded, built dog park and too many new friendships to count,” Lopez Schmalz said. “Alan’s open mind and open heart created this park and in my opinion the very least we can do to repay him the gift that he gave us all is to name this park after him.”


Alternate proposal

When it comes to naming facilities, the town has a policy that involves several steps, including the chance for alternate proposals, one of which the town did receive. That was a proposal to name the park for Blue, a police dog credited with chasing down a felon in 1989.

According to a November 1996 Hartford Courant article, Blue, handled by then officer and later Deputy Chief Donald Hull, served for six years before selectmen cut the budget expenses for the program in 1994, and also expressed concern about a federal law that would have added many additional expenses to what was then a $500 line item.

The article notes a 1996 effort by then selectman Lou Daniels to revive the program.

Sadly, it also reported that Blue had died of a stroke earlier that fall.

It also stated Blue went to 13 towns on some 200 calls and was given props for tracking down four missing kids, 15 felony suspects and dozens of other alleged criminals.

Canton First Selectman Kevin Witkos, a retired Canton police sergeant, said Blue was a German Shepherd.


Jan. 24, 2024 Board of Selectmen meeting

When it came time for the selectmen’s decision on the evening of Jan. 24, board member Elizabeth Corkum Winsor spoke to the nomination of Blue, which spoke to inclusion and honoring the people of color, indigenous peoples and women who often go unrecognized. At the same time, she said she agreed with the nomination of Mr. Duncan but didn’t want the idea of inclusion to be put aside.

“I really appreciated the spirit of the nomination of Blue because, as a board, I think that it’s important that we consider diversity, inclusion and equity. Having said that, there's something to be said for somebody who spent a lot of time creating, funding, implementing the dog park. So, I am in agreement with Alan Duncan, but I do think, as a board – diversity, inclusion and equity is important," Corkum Winsor said.


Selectman Bill Volovski also said he appreciated that nomination and suggested the idea of a plaque within the park for Blue.


Witkos said he was “taken away” by the testimony showing how much Mr. Duncan worked on the project, the hurdles, his kindness, and ability to reach people.

“I think It’s out of respect and with honor that we cast our vote,” he said.

The vote was unanimous.


Final thoughts

Medeiros, now Superintendent of Parks, Recreation, Youth & Community Services for the City of Bristol, credited all the volunteers involved and said that the project really stands out.

“That park would have never happened if it wasn’t for his advocacy,” he said of Mr. Duncan. “He  came to my office day after day – 'where are we at with this, how can we do this? How do we make this happen?'” Medeiros also noted the long process and hurdles involved.

“Even when [Alan] got discouraged he just kept coming back and staying with it. I just credit his advocacy for why that park is there today. So, the fact that they would name it after him, I think, is just really a great tribute to everything that he did for that park that people are going to benefit from for the next generation.”  


Anne Duncan said she is grateful for the honor and said the park was certainly a dream for her husband, who died in September of 2023.

“This was a big dream,” she said. “I’m just glad it came to fruition. Somehow, I hope he knows.”

 

 

Alan Duncan cuts the ribbon at the Canton Dog Park.

 


Alan Duncan with Deuxie (left) and Effie, who are now 6 and 9.

 

 

 

 

 

Valley Happenings

New Story Blooms on Blazer’s Trail

AVON – A new tale is waiting for young readers and nature lovers on Blazer’s Trail. The latest book featured along the trail is “Miss Maple’s Seeds” by Eliza Wheeler—a whimsical and heartwarming story about Miss Maple, who gathers lost seeds and cares for them in her cozy treehouse before sending them off to grow and thrive in the world.

This engaging story walk can be enjoyed along the scenic half-mile loop trail just behind Roaring Brook Elementary School (open to the public outside of school hours). Visitors are kindly reminded to respect the trail and leave no trace. Special thanks go out to the Roaring Brook School PTO for supporting this project.

 

New Exhibit Brings 1775 Avon to Life at the Avon Free Public Library

AVON — The Avon ‘s America 250 Coordinating Committee and the Avon Historical Society invites you to visit “We Are the Sons of Freedom,” a new historical exhibit on display now through the end of May in the Avon Free Public Library’s History Corner.

This exhibit marks the beginning of Avon 250, a multi-year commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the creation of our country. “We Are the Sons of Freedom” explores the lives of Northington (Avon’s colonial name) residents in 1775, highlighting their response to the first shots of the American Revolution in Lexington and Concord. A summary of the exhibit is also available at Digital Farmington/Digital Avon: https://digitalfarmington.org/digital-farmington-project/digital-avon/from-northington-to-revolution-avons-road-to-1776/ .

The exhibit is free and open to the public during library hours. The Avon Free Public Library is located at 281 Country Club Road.

 

Pine Grove Schoolhouse open house

AVON – The Avon Historical Society welcomes the public to an now annual family friendly OPEN HOUSE of the 1865 Pine Grove Schoolhouse, 3 Harris Road (at the corner of West Avon Road/Route 167) on Sunday, May 4 from 1 – 4 p.m.  After that it will be open to the public every Sunday through September. Anyone interested in volunteering to be a greeter for one Sunday this summer is encouraged to the Society at info@avonhistoricalsociety.org or leave a message at 860-678-7621.

 

May at Hill-Stead Museum

FARMINGTON – Saturday, May 3 and Sunday, May 4, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Join Hill-Stead for the annual May Market, featuring premium vendors, flowers and unique plants perfect for Mother’s Day both indoors and outdoors. Shop and enjoy the beautiful grounds during this springtime celebration. $10/day

On View May 15 - June 29, 2025: Castles in the Sky, 2nd Annual Juried Members Exhibition at Hill-Stead Museum featuring artwork from local artists celebrating Theodate Pope Riddle’s passion for dreams, fantasies, and musings.

Visit hillstead.org for more details.

National Day of Prayer Observed

SIMSBURY – Thursday, May 1, 2025 will mark the 74nd annual observance of the National Day of Prayer. Local Simsbury Events on May 1, 2025 are:

Noon – On the front steps of Eno Memorial Hall, 754 Hopmeadow St. (Gathering will be inside Eno in the Youth Room, in the event of rain)

7:30 p.m. – New Life in Christ Fellowship, 250 Firetown Road

For further information, visit: http://nlicf.com/ https://www.nationaldayofprayer.org/events/new-gathering or contact: Pastor Dana Jorgensen, 860-658-7320 or Joan Rogers, 860-970-4457

 

Historic Trades of the Revolution

On Saturday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Simsbury Historical Society will be transformed into a vibrant center of colonial era activities during Historic Trades of the Revolution Day. Skilled trades and crafts people dressed in period attire will interact with visitors and use antique and reproduction tools to demonstrate how colonists produced goods and materials immediately before, during, and after the American Revolutionary War.

The circa 1771 Phelps Tavern and homestead will depict life in the late 1700s; tours are included with admission.

The Simsbury Historical Society is located at 800 Hopmeadow St. Parking is available in the main lot at 10 Phelps Lane. Additional free parking is available in nearby municipal lots. Due to its age and historic nature, the Phelps Tavern is not accessible by wheelchair, walker, or stroller. General Admission is $10 per adult or $20 per household. Simsbury Historical Society Member Admission is $5 per adult or $10 per household. Email info@simsburyhistory.org or call 860-658-2500 with any questions.

 

Farmington Valley Chorale concerts

Farmington Valley Chorale presents its Spring concerts for 4- hand piano and choir featuring husband and wife piano duo, Anna and Dmitri Shelest and student choirs from Plainville High School and Canton High School. The two performances are as follows.  Friday, May 2, 8 p.m. at Bethany Covenant Church, 785 Mill Street, Berlin, with student choir from Plainville High School. Saturday, May 3, 8 p.m. at First Church of Christ, 689 Hopmeadow St., Simsbury with student choir from Canton High School.

For ticket information, visit the chorale website at: info@farmingtonvalleychorale.org.

 

A Film screening with Robert Abbott

A film screening with Robert Abbott takes place Saturday, May 3 at 7 p.m., St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 224 Lovely Street (Rte. 177), Avon.

Six-time Emmy award winner and St. Matthew member, Robert Abbott, will be screening his 2018 film “Port of Destiny: Peace,” chronicling former Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos’ path to peace in a polarizing political environment. The documentary will be introduced by Robert and followed up by a Q&A.

A suggested donation of $10, will be donated to a peace-seeking organization that is yet to be determined.

 

‘Let’s Kolam- Your Dots Our Delights’

AVON – Agaram Tamil Padasalai, a Tamil heritage language school serving the Farmington Valley area, is hosting a cultural art competition, “Let’s Kolam- Your Dots Our Delights” on May 4, 1:30 to 4 p.m. at Avon Senior Center. This is open to the public with free admission to view the event and a great opportunity to experience the traditional art form that combines art, math, colors and fun. Public can either enter the competition or simply come visit us and experience the event. Senior Center’s public play areas are available for the kids to play after checking out the kolam.” For inquiries: Events24-25@agarampadasalai.com

 

Simsbury Light Opera presents ‘Ruddigore – or the Witch’s Curse’

SIMSBURY – Simsbury Light Opera Company will present Gilbert & Sullivan’s opera, “Ruddigore – or the Witch’s Curse” at Henry James Memorial School in Simsbury.

Dates: April 26 at 7:30 p.m and April 27 at 2 p.m.; May 3 at 7:30 p.m. and  May 4 at 2 p.m.

Tickets in advance: Adult $30 and Seniors/Students $25. Visit sloco.ludus.com to purchase tickets. Visit sloco.org for more information about Simsbury Light Opera

 

Bike Rodeo

CANTON – Join BikeWalkCantonCT, the Canton Police Department & the Canton Parks & Recreation Department for a Bike Rodeo on Saturday, May 3 from 1-3 p.m.

The vent will take place in the field at Canton Intermediate School Parking will be at the Canton Community Center, 40 Dyer Ave. Rain date will be Sunday, May 4. Learn bike safety rules, participate in helmet & bike fittings, try out bike courses & so much more. Leo, Canton’s Canine Law Enforcement Officer will also be making an appearance. Helmets are mandatory, and don’t forget to bring your bike as well. Parents will need to remain on site with their children during the event.

Registration for event participants is required, and must be completed by 3 p.m. on Friday, May 2. This event is for Canton kids in grades Pre-K to 6.

Register at https://cantonct.myrec.com/ Find the register tab and click on programs.

 

Pancake Breakfast

SIMSBURY – The Simsbury Lions & Knights of Columbus are having our 33rd annual combined pancake breakfast on Sunday, May 4, from 8 to 11 a.m., at St. Mary’s Parish Center, 946 Hopmeadow St. We are selling several different size placemat advertisements as well as breakfast tickets (Adults-$10, Children under 12-$5, Family of 4-$25), with all proceeds benefitting scholarships. For more information, contact Elaine Giannini at 386-566-1003.

 

Senior Conference, Resource Fair

New Season In Life will host free Senior Conference and Resource Fairs on the following dates:

• May 3 – Valley Community Baptist Church, Avon

• June 12 – Farmington Senior Center

All events will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and free lunch at noon. Call 860-965-8114 to register.

11th Annual Memory Walk

WINDSOR – On Sunday, May 4, Mary’s Place, A Center for Grieving Children and Families will host its 12th Annual Memory Walk at Northwest Park; 145 Lang Rd, Windsor at 9:30 a.m. Walk with us in memory of your loved one! This moving fundraiser connects families, friends, and the community to support programs at Mary’s Place. Honor the memory of a loved one and help make a difference in the lives of grieving children & families by joining us for this special event. Come and enjoy kids’ crafts, snacks, auctions & more! Register at www.marysplacect.org/memory-walk

 

Plant & Tag sale

CANTON – Cherry Brook Garden Club is holding a Plant & Tag Sale on Saturday, May 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Masonic Lodge, 123 River Road, Canton. The sale will include a variety of shade and sun-loving perennials, houseplants, and flower gifts. Gently used garden-related items will also be for sale during the event. Proceeds from the sale support the club’s civic beautification projects and scholarship fund. Visit www.cherrybrookgardenclub.org for more information about the club.

 

Irises in New England

CANTON – Cherry Brook Garden Club (Canton, CT) is hosting a presentation, Growing Irises in New England, with Ruth Bennett on May 13 at the Canton Community Center, 40 Dyer Avenue, Canton.  Her program will emphasize irises hybridized in New England, discuss iris culture, and show how interspecies crosses have given even a wider range of garden plants to choose from. Ruth is a Master Judge for the American Iris Society and a well-known speaker for the CT Flower Show and Federated Garden Clubs of CT. The presentation begins at 11 a.m., and a $5 guest fee is required for non-members of the club. For more information, email cherrybrookgardenclub@gmail.com.

 

Tunxis Seniors Association meeting

FARMINGTON – The Tunxis Seniors Citizens Association will hold their monthly meeting on May 12, at the Community Center, 321 New Britain Avenue, Unionville. We will begin at 1:30 with our traditional introduction then we will be entertained by Tre’ Johnson who has been singing professionally for over 40 years. For more information, call 860-675-2490.

 

Alzheimer’s Support Group

FARMINGTON – Hearts, Hugs & Hope: An Alzheimer’s Support Group Offered by Farmington Station takes place May 15, 6 p.m. at Farmington Station Assisted Living and Memory Care Community, 111 Scott Swamp Road. Dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia isn’t easy, so it is helpful to share your concerns and personal experiences with others who completely understand what you’re going through. This month’s group will be held in person and we will be offering a Dementia Friendly Experience presentation. Groups are held on the third Thursday of each month. If you plan to attend, contact Director of Compass Programming Katherine Jedynasty at kjedynasty@farmingtonslr.com.

Perennial Plant Sale

AVON – A Perennial Plant Sale will be held on Saturday, May 17, from 8 a.m. to noon in the Church of St. Ann parking lot, located on the corner of West Avon and Arch roads. A variety of plants from members’ gardens will be offered.   Knowledgeable gardeners will be available to answer questions concerning plant selection.

 

Farmington Rotary 5K Trail Race

FARMINGTON – Farmington Rotary’s Annual 5K Trail Race will be held on Sunday, May 18 beginning at 10 am. This year’s race will be held at Winding Trails in Farmington, which has donated the use of their trail. The race course will be on a designated 5k trail inside their 300 acres around Walton Pond.

The Lee Chisholm Award will be presented to the first Farmington resident finishers, male and female. Prize categories include $250 awards for both the male and female First Place winners and $25 awards for top male and female winners in each of the three age categories which include Ages 18 and under, Ages 19-49, and Ages 50 and above. To register, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/CT/Farmington/FarmingtonRiverRun5KTrailRace.

Registration is available online and will also take place on the day of the race beginning at 9 a.m. This year’s cost will be $35 plus a $3.60 charge fee. A Waiver and Release must be signed for all runners at sign-in.

For those under 18 years of age, the waiver must be signed by an adult. At the event, Rotary will also collect food donations of boxed or canned items for the Farmington Food Pantry, where they will be available to those in need.

 

Aquarion Water Company Reminds Connecticut Residents to Order Upcycled Rain Barrels

Aquarion Water Company is reminding residents that it is offering upcycled rain barrels for sale as part of its ongoing water conservation efforts.

Connecticut customers can purchase a high-quality, 60-gallon upcycled rain barrel designed to fit under a downspout and catch rainwater running off the roof.  Order barrels online at www.aquarionwater.com/rainbarrels. The cost is $85 and orders must be received by April 21, 2025.

Locally, barrels will be available for pickup Saturday, May 10 at Simsbury Public Works, 66 Town Forest Road, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

 

Farmington Valley Quilt Guild

SIMSBURY — Farmington Valley Quilters will hold their monthly meeting on Wednesday evening, May 21.  The guest speaker, Jill Staubitz, is a weaver, graphic designer and quilter. Jill will present a trunk show of her work. She will be sharing her insights about color, pattern, and the design process as she discusses how the elements of the art of weaving apply to quilting. The meeting is held at Eno Memorial Hall, 754 Hopmeadow St, Simsbury. Registration opens at 6:30 pm, meeting begins at 7 pm.  Guest fee is $10.00. For more information about the Guild visit our website: https://www.fvquilter.org/

Meditation for Peace and Well Being

Avon Free Public Library presents (Virtual Event) Meditation for Peace and Well Being.

Thursday, May 22, 7 pm. John Bednarik, long time meditator for this deep and engaging meditation, will talk about the journey of finding lasting peace, happiness and a greater sense of well-being. For more information, contact Adult Services Reference Desk avonref@avonctlibrary.info 860-673-9712 x 7203

 

Music at Greenwood: Elliott Davis

AVON – Virtuoso violinist Elliott Davis will perform five of Eugene Ysayë’s Sonatas for Solo Violin in the second concert of Music at Greenwood’s 2025 season. Join us on Saturday, May 17, at 4 p.m. at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 224 Lovely St. Suggested donation: $10. After the concert, stay to enjoy a reception of light appetizers. For more information about upcoming events, visit us online at https://www.stmatthewavon.org/music-at-greenwood.

 

Show to benefit Avon VFW project

Avon VFW Post 3272 will host a benefit show with the New Orleans style jazz music of Tenpenny Bounce! The show takes place Sunday May 18 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Avon Sycamore Hill Senior Center. The show will help the post continue to provide essential support for our community’s Afghan refugee family, the Tarins.

Come and meet the family, learn how their first year in America has gone, and enjoy. Free will offering

($10 suggested)

 

Gallery on the Green Presents ‘Member/Guest Exhibition’

CANTON – The public is invited to the Gallery on the Green’s annual “Member/Guest Exhibition” showcasing artists who are members of the Canton Artists Guild and their invited guests.

In a show entitled, “Everyday People,” Kathy Schwartz celebrates the human form and the expression of the human spirit through the lines and shapes of the physical body.

In “Cracked and Crazed” Donna Namnoum, the second solo artist, is exhibiting over thirty ceramic works that incorporate the covered jar and other wheel thrown forms. A free opening reception will be held on Saturday May 31 from 6 to 8 p.m. The gallery is located at 5 Canton Green Road near the intersections of Dowd Ave. and RT. 44. The gallery is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. The main floor gallery is handicap accessible. (860) 693-4102; https://www.galleryonthegreen.org

 

Art open house

Local artist,Lori Racicot is hosting an Art Studio Open House on May 3 & 4, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 43 Farmstead Lane in West Simsbury. Stop by to see Lori’s new paintings, watch her paint and ask questions. For more information, visit LoriRacicot.com.

 

Email event listings to

jfitts@turleyct.com. The deadline

for our June issue is May 6.

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