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Handicapped-accessible playground makes dreams come true

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Clif Knight, Hartselle Enquirer

A handicapped accessible playground complete with a carpeted surface and overhead lighting is a new addition to Veterans Park in Priceville.

Town officials led by Mayor Melvin Duran dedicated the facility on Saturday afternoon. More than 100 people attended the ceremony. They included State Sen. Arthur Orr, Morgan County Commission Chairman John Glasscock, District 2 Commissioner Ken Livingston and Bob Francis, a board member of the North Central Alabama Regional Council of Governments (NARCOG).

“This is a project that has been in the making for seven years,” council member Sam Heflin said. “What you see is a $100,000 improvement with $50,000 of the cost coming from a Land and Water Conservation Grant approved by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs.”

The playground totals 8,500 square feet and is located next to the senior center (old town hall). It is connected to adjacent parking lots by concrete walkways, has modern overhead lighting and its entire surface is covered with carpet made from old tires. Underground drainage keeps the surface water-free even during and after hard rains. Additional benches were also added.

“I want to compliment Priceville’s mayor and council for their visionary leadership,” Sen. Orr said. “They have worked hard to make this project happen and I’m pleased that I was in a position to help with the grant in a small way.”

“I told the engineer when he started designing the project that we wanted nothing less than a first class job and I can say that I’m well pleased with the finished product,” Duran said. “I want to thank members of the council and the Parks and Recreation Board for their work. This is something that couldn’t have been done without their strong support.”

Heflin stated, “This is all for the kids. I want to thank the taxpayer. I’ve watched handicapped kids struggle to get around in the park. Now they won’t have to do that “

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