West Memphis breaks ground on Hicks Park improvements

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By Ralph Hardin

news@theeveningtimes.com

This isn’t just a playground,” explained City of West Memphis Communications Director Nick Coulter. “It’s Mayor McClendon’s commitment to ensure every child of all ages and abilities can play, be challenged, and have fun. Our new inclusive playground goes beyond basic wheelchair accessibility to guarantee that all kids have an exciting and welcoming place to play.”

On Tuesday morning, city officials were joined by families from across the community at Hicks Park, located at 213 N.

Avalon, behind the former West Memphis Public Library and current home of the West Memphis Parks Commission.

The gathering was a special one as the city prepared to break ground on its new inclusive playground, a concerted effort by city leadership to ensure children with disabilities and special needs are able toplay at the park like other kids, The groundbreaking ceremony was spearheaded by West Memphis Mayor Marco McClendon, who called the ceremony “a dream come true.”

'It means a lot to me to help all of our kids and not just the kids that we consider normal,” said McClendon, who recalled the original inspiration for the parkcame from a group of students who worked with the city a few years ago as part of the mayor’s Summer Jobs Program. It was watching the youngsters on the job that gave him the idea that such a playground could serve as a space for children with and without disabilities to play.

'All kids are not physically disabled, but some are. So, it's going to be a whole new set of equipment along with some of the other equipment as well to make sure all our kids will be able to enjoy it,” McClendon said. Also addressing the crowd was recently-appointed City Parks & Recreation Director Russell Jones. Jones, who was an educator for nearly 30 years, said he has seen students get picked on for their disabilities and will make sure this is a safe space for all children.

'It's located right here by my office. I heard the mayor mention that kids can be kind of cruel. But guess what kids?

I'll be right out here watching you,' he said.

The park, which will receive upgrades totalling about a million dollars, was funded through the City of West Memphis, state American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and private donations.

Jones said construction is expected to begin by the end of the month and will take about two months to complete.

Photo courtesy of the City of West Memphis