New Inclusive Playground Opens in Walker County

Walker County invites children of all abilities to come play at the county’s new inclusive playground at Walker Rocks Park, located on the Walker County Civic Center campus at 10052 Hwy 27 in Rock Spring.

Along with traditional playground components like slides and rockers, several climbing features were integrated in the design to complement Walker County’s outdoor recreational attractions, like Rocktown. The playground also includes a poured in place rubberized service and ramps with barriers to enhance accessibility.

The county invested $406,519 to transition this project from concept to completion. Funding for the playground comes primarily from the voter approved SPLOST, along with the county’s tourism product development fund, which receives a small portion of hotel/motel taxes paid by visitors.

”Walker Rocks Park features an assortment of playground activities that support the physical, social-emotional, sensory, cognitive, and communicative needs of all children, including those with disabilities,” said Shannon Whitfield, Chair, Walker County Board of Commissioners. “We really want this park to benefit the whole community and be a place where individuals of all ages and abilities can play together.”

PlayCore’s Center for Outreach, Research and Education (CORE) awarded its National Demonstration Site® Designation to the playground at Walker Rocks Park for thoughtfully aligning with best practices in evidence-based design to promote inclusive play.

As a National Demonstration Site, CORE’s Data Service Lab will be working with Walker County to provide data translation reports on this site’s contribution to overall community vitality. Visitors are encouraged to participate in the research by scanning the QR Code on the National Demonstration Site sign located at the entrance to the playground.

A ribbon cutting for the playground will be held at 11:00 a.m. on July 31^st. The public is invited to be part of the official kick-off. Complimentary refreshments and Walker Rocks swag will be available.

Although the playground just opened, the park may undergo an expansion soon. The county hopes to be awarded a grant later this summer to add swings, a zipline and other play features.