Citizens Asked To Help Design New Playground

Fairhope, Alabama fairhopetimes@att.net


FAIRHOPER'S COMMUNITY PARK RE-BUILD

Tuesday, at the first in a series of community meetings concerning the design of the new playground, architect Clay Adams reviewed the master plan -- and asked for input about what citizens wanted there. Adams, who was involved in building the old park almost 20 years ago,  said he wanted to "build upon the original plan."

Adams: "We need a park as special as Fairhope."

Adams' master plan calls for dividing into 3 age-specific play areas (one a "climbing area"), keeping all of the existing sidewalks, trees and the lawn "green space" --  and constructing several new gazebos around the perimeter. The existing teen area will be removed and a splash pad added, now or at a later date, depending on budgetary considerations.

Adams said he hoped to "pay homage" to the old structures by re-purposing most of the the art work to an "art wall" possibly along the east fence -- and by incorporating some old structures into the new design (the wooden spires, etc).


POSSIBLE NEW COMPONENTS

Justin Vance, of Champion Recreation Inc. -- a contractor that constructs playgrounds around the southeast -- suggested possible new components including climbing and music equipment (chimes), sun shading, slides, and splash pad designs. (photos at right are examples of possible components)

Vance said his firm does over 350 such projects a year in and has vendors from all over the country. Each park may be customized to desired themes, i.e. sports teams, art, history, etc..

He said all components will be plastic or powder-coated steel -- and should last for up to 20-25 years.

(At the appropriate time, the project will be put out for bids and usually the lowest bidder is awarded the contract.)

CITIZEN COMMENTS

One citizen suggested "multi generational" components be included, to give adults something to do while waiting; and was told adult exercise equipment and a walking track could be used for that.

A stage in the lawn area and a place for outdoor games (i.e. chess and checkers) may be an option as well.

A secluded "conversation area" was suggested by another citizen.

MORE INPUT SOUGHT

There will be another community meeting on Dec. 5th(6pm), and
meetings have been arranged with school children to seek their input too.

Community affairs director Sherry Sullivan may also be contacted directly with suggestions. (sherry.sullivan@cofairhope.com)

Construction could begin as early as next April, the parks 20th anniversary.