Alvin Davis, Director of Parks and Recreation

By Inesha Jackson

Alvin Davis, the Director of Parks and Recreation, is passionate about keeping the City of Canton beautiful and saving the youth in the community. 

The Canton native is the eldest of ten children of James and Rosezella Davis. He is a graduate of Velma Jackson High School, Holmes Community College, and Alcorn State University, where he met his wife, Tonya Henry Davis. In their thirty-one years of marriage, they have three sons, Deon, Alvin Jr., and Tadrick; two grandchildren and one goddaughter, Mariah, Meyah and Nylah. In Davis’ spare time, he enjoys watching and attending sporting events, traveling with his wife or friends, and working with his livestock. In addition to this, he is a member of the Madison County Senior Citizens Service Agency, the City of Canton Planning Board, and the A-Team Tailgate Club. 

After Davis sought employment in various areas in Canton, he was approached about a position with athletics by his softball teammate and Alderman Sammy Brown. Davis accepted the position and remained in the Parks and Recreation Department before being promoted to the Director. Since then, Davis has served as the Director of Parks and Recreation for fifteen years. On a day-to-day basis, Davis’ duties and responsibilities include planning and executing each day’s activities for a staff of eight people. The group is responsible for maintaining Canton’s five parks and ensuring that the city has beautiful landscapes along Highway 22 and the boulevards. He also oversees the Canton Multipurpose Complex, where many concerts and events are held. 

“I can evaluate myself by seeing the improvements made to the department and the parks. When I have former employees see me on the street and thank me for the opportunity to work or thank me for a piece of advice I’ve given, it’s in those moments I realize some things can’t be measured in material things,” Davis said. 

Several of Davis’ greatest achievements as Director of Parks and Recreation include the SAAB Park improvements, hosting the Black World Softball tournament, hosting Senator Hillary Clinton at the Multipurpose Complex, hosting the Hunter Jumpers Association and having various artists such as 50 Cent, Ludacris, and Master P hold concerts at the Multipurpose Complex. 

“There have been several individuals who have played important roles in shaping my life and career path. Most importantly was Jesus. My father, Coach Tracy Steele and Mr. George Cole helped instill in me the importance of education and made sure I was always learning. Mr. Lewis Love and Mr. Bryce Purvis instructed me on what it took to work in the Park Department. They taught me about the value of treating individuals right,” Davis said. 

Davis is motivated by seeing the joy on children’s faces when they are enjoying sporting events and seeing the smiles that come from seniors when they enjoy the special events hosted for them. Davis, who is driven to do what makes everyone happy, urges members of the community to “be fair, be honest, and be trustworthy.” 

“I would love to see more parents/volunteers in the youth activities. I would love to expand our activities for the youth in order to deter them from criminal activities. I believe with more parental involvement and activities, we can eliminate the youth crime and teach them to be more productive citizens. It will take our parents, our school leaders, our City leaders, and our county leaders to all get involved in saving our youth. Through recreation and activities, I believe we can do it,” Davis said.