Fairhope, Alabama
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| ribbon cutting |
Governor Bentley,
Congressman Byrne, Mayor Kant and other dignitaries attended the ribbon cutting for the re-opening of the Church St. park and playground this morning. (see the video below)
The city is leasing (20 years) the land from the
Baldwin School Board at no cost, other than maintaining the playground according to its criteria for safety and security.
A splash pad on the southwest corner proved especially popular in the stifling August heat, even with some adults.
The
Friends of the Community Park organization was still refurbishing some of the old park's artwork in a tent nearby: They eventually intend to install much of it along the wooden fences -- and sidewalks to make an 'artwalk'.
The Times recreation reporter even found some of the artwork in the refurbished men's restroom, above the sink.
A baby dinosaur that was damaged many years ago by children trying to ride on it has been repaired by sculptor
Bruce Larsen -- and reinstalled next to its parent. It now has a steel head.
MAYOR'S COMMENTS
Mayor Kant said the project began four years ago when a group of local "moms" led by
Katie Evans (
click) came to his office asking the old park be upgraded to give access to their special needs children (see the
2012 video of Evans' presentation to the city council).
The old park did not meet current federal disabled access (ADA) -- and child safety standards (
click).
Kant: "Four years ago, it was a dream of a group of new moms ... that the moms 20 years ago had ... to have a park for all of our children ... ."
He said a chance encounter with
Governor Bentley ultimately led to funding the project from left-over
BP oil spill recovery money.
GOVERNOR'S REMARKS
Governor Bentley spoke next and praised the mayor for being "the kind you really need" because "every time I see him he asks me for money ... ." (
video here)
Bentley said he thought the $430K was well spent on a lasting facility to benefit the children -- and downtown businesses. He said the park only adds to "the beauty of Fairhope."
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| splash pad |
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| climbing apparatus |
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| baby dinosaur's head replaced |
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| Friends of Community Park |
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| Azalea Trail Maids greeting |
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| Gov. Bentley |
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| bathroom artwork |
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