HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Rotary Park at Pardue Lane in Hopkinsville has drastically transformed over the last few months, with the giant accessible playground built as the focal point of the new park. Despite completion of the structure, the ribbon cutting and official opening for the park has been pushed back to spring.
Hopkinsville Public Works Director Mike Perry said the playground is completed as well as the surrounding sidewalks, light poles and fixtures. They are currently waiting on grass instillation and signage for the park before opening for the public. In the meantime, during the cold winter months the playground will remains closed to prevent mud from staining the poured rubber surface. However, people are still able to utilize the walking trail.
The 13,000 square foot playground was designed by Miracle Playgrounds to be inclusive and fully accessible. The structure features nearly a dozen slides, shade, places to climb, a musical area, swings, and more to play with. As of Dec. 2, the playground had caution taped around the surrounding sidewalk to prevent direct access.
Various grant funding sources, leftover FEMA funds, a large donation from the Hopkinsville Rotary Club, fundraising, and city dollars are all being utilized to cover the cost of the park. The project was previously broken into two phases, with the second phase on hold due to cost. This will eventually add on a basketball court, parking lot, and an additional pavilion and sidewalks…