For several years, Morris leaders discussed the need for a inclusive playground for their community. The dream was put on hold as Morris didn’t have the financial means to carry through with such a sizeable project.
By October of 2018, the Mayor and Council felt the Town was in a position that they could begin having serious discussions about building a new playground that would cost nearly $500k.
Mayor Joe Pylant and the Council worked to develop the funding from Town funds, grants, contributions from the community and a loan from the bank.
It is contagious to hear the joy in Councilor Kathy Bolton’s voice when she talks about the new playground. She noted that the playground is “a great asset to the community. We have had many compliments on the design because we have a track that borders the playground area and caregivers, parents and grandparents can walk the track and still see their children. A citizen even donated a little library for the playground and every time I go I see kids picking out books to read!”
The all-inclusive playground includes everything from a walking track and zip line to swings, see saws and picnic tables with shelters. The area has safety surfacing and Bolton says a restroom is in the planning stages.
Bolton also says the Mayor and Council see even more opportunity in the playground area and that future plans may include “basketball, tennis and pickleball courts as well as additional parking.”
Councilor McKay Lyvers noted that the playground has “been a great a great addition to the area, not just Morris. I have talked to families from Kimberly, Gardendale, Hayden, Warrior and surrounding areas. It’s been such a welcome addition to the area. We are not done with the park and are already looking at other recreational opportunities in Morris.”
Morris will have a Grand Opening Ceremony for its inclusive playground on September 14th at 1pm at 430 Ballpark Dr. in Morris.
