Community leaders, project partners, and residents gathered Monday morning to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new Greenwood Inclusive Playground, marking the beginning of a project designed to provide a welcoming and accessible play space for children of all abilities.
The ceremony was held June 1 at the future playground site located at 400 Westwood Avenue, where city officials and community advocates joined together to recognize the collaborative effort that has brought the project from vision to reality.
The Greenwood Inclusive Playground will feature accessible play structures, open gathering areas, and inclusive recreational opportunities designed to ensure children of all abilities can play, connect, and thrive together.
“This project represents our commitment to creating spaces that serve everyone,” Greenwood Parks Director Casey Craig said during the ceremony. “The goal is simple—build a place where every child has the opportunity to play and every family feels welcome.”
The project is the result of a partnership between the Greenwood Parks Department, Unlimited Play, Swift Recreation, and the Greenwood Adaptive Playground Project (GAPP), along with numerous local businesses, organizations, and community supporters.
Funding and support for the playground have come from a variety of sources, including a $494,500 matching grant from the Arkansas Office of Outdoor Recreation and a $100,000 contribution from Farmers Bank. Additional support has been provided by First National Bank of Fort Smith, Gerdau, Premier Pediatrics, Geno’s Pizza of Greenwood, Prime Acres LLC, Arvest Bank, Steve Beam Construction Inc., Moore Contracting, and other community partners.
City officials noted that the playground is about more than equipment and recreation. The project represents a commitment to inclusion and creating opportunities for all children and families to enjoy public spaces together.
With construction now underway, organizers said the playground will become a lasting community asset that will serve Greenwood residents for generations to come.
Pictured: Members of the Greenwood Adaptive Playground Project team, including Monica Lowe, Paula McCann, Miss Arkansas Kennedy Holland, Marisa Findley, Ashley Parker, and Mayor Doug Kinslow, along with Greenwood Parks & Recreation Assistant Director Megan Potter and Parks Director Casey Craig.
Pictured: Members of the Greenwood Adaptive Playground Project team, including Monica Lowe, Paula Hinsch, Miss Arkansas Kennedy Holland, Marisa Findley, Ashley Parker, and Mayor Doug Kinslow, along with Greenwood Parks & Recreation Assistant Director Megan Potter and Parks Director Casey Craig.
(RNN photos/Peggy Barger)
