Of the new playground construction at Ivy Park, Mayor Will Hill said, “It is probably the most exciting project that we have going. This one is the showpiece. This one is the jewel.”
Construction has been underway for some time, but has been slowed by the weather. Hill stated that there have been almost 90 ‘weather days’ on this project, but it should begin to really come together in the next few weeks.
The new park will consist of a state-of-the-art playground and splash pad, as well as four new youth baseball/softball fields. The new construction is located on Ivy Ave. in the location formerly occupied by the Assembly of God church. The City purchased the property and church building with plans to eventually convert the building to an event center.
The playground has brand new equipment and a ‘kid friendly’ rubberized surface, and even some handicap accessible features. Hill said that he hopes to be able to have invitations to all elementary school students in the county for field trips at the end of the school year, before the park is opened to the public.
Due to weather issues, the ball fields will take a bit longer as grass will not be sprigged until the third week of April. Hill stated that he hopes they will be ready for play by this summer.
According to Parks & Recreation Director Todd McCullough, the park still requires some landscaping and concrete work and cleaning up some details, but should be ready sometime in May.
McCullough added, “From day one, the playground and splash pad is what it’s all been about.” Since the space was available the decision was made to construct the ball fields, as well. With the addition of the new fields, all youth baseball and softball can be played at one venue which will be a great benefit for residents.
Parking will be available in the old church parking lot, at the tennis courts which will be connected to the playground by a sidewalk, and also on Joe Cannon Rd.
McCullough said to imagine the playground in full use, tournament games, high school baseball and softball, coliseum events and tennis all taking place at the same location. It will be a very busy place.
The new venue also features new restrooms and will eventually have its own concession stands, as well. The baseball fields will have wooden center field fences with plenty of seating for spectators.
All in all, the park facility will be a vast improvement compared to the situation the city has been dealing with for many years, and is all about improving the quality of life for this community.
