Fairhoper's Community Park Opens For Business

Fairhope, Alabama

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."

splash pad

climbing apparatus

baby dinosaur's head replaced

Friends of Community Park

Azalea Trail Maids greeting

Gov. Bentley

bathroom artwork