As work takes place to improve Walker County roads, the public will notice progress on several new recreational experiences, including the county’s first inclusive playground. Located behind the Walker County Civic Center at an area now designated as Walker Rocks Park, the playground was designed to meet the criteria to be designated as a National Demonstration Site for inclusive play.
The playground includes a poured in place rubberized service and ramps with safety barriers to make it accessible to children of all abilities. It also features multiple slides, climbing and musical components
“We had hoped phase one would be completed before winter arrived, but supply chain and weather issues put the project behind,” said Joe Legge, county public relations director. “The rubber surface needed to be poured at a certain sustained temperature. Ironically, because of the delay, we may be able to finish phase two, which will add a rock climbing feature to the playground, pretty close to when we officially open the site to the public.”
The county is targeting spring as an official opening date. Improvements to the pavilion, new sidewalk access from the parking lot and ground work around the playground footprint still remain on the project list.
Meanwhile, the county will learn this summer if grant funding to add additional features to Walker Rocks Park will be approved. Proposed enhancements include a playground expansion with a zip line, swings with adaptive seating, refurbishment of the walking trail, along with new user experiences like pickleball courts.
