Inclusion Park Hosts Grand Opening

The Carroll County Inclusion Park hosted its grand opening on Saturday, August 10 at 10 a.m. The park is located at 450 Mustang Drive (formerly Fairgrounds Road) in Huntingdon.

The weather was beautiful with mild temperatures and sunny skies to mark the culmination of the first phase of construction, with more musical instruments to be added in the near future.

The grand opening brought together children of many different physical abilities, who were eager to play on the brand new equipment. Seating was brought in and a small lectern served as members of the board of directors of Carroll County Inclusion Park and others spoke of the new park, with its playground, restrooms, and soft surface designed to prevent injuries. What was not lost on the ceremony, was the sounds of excitement from the children, who were enjoying the new venue. At times, the people speaking would stop to listen as the children played.

It also brought together a combination of all four high school bands - Huntingdon, McKenzie, West Carroll, and Hollow Rock-Bruceton to perform music. Such an undertaking was last attempted to march in the inaugural parade of Governor Phil Bredesen, that was canceled after a large snowstorm.

As part of the celebration face painting, food trucks and other amenities were available.

Large donors, contributors and volunteers were recognized. The project raised more than $1 million to construct and maintain the special playground. The County of Carroll provided $400,000 from federal COVID relief funds approved by the Biden administration, the State of Tennessee provided another $497,250 through Intellectual and Development Disabilities. State Senator John Stevens said Carroll County received the largest donation because its planning for an inclusion park was well ahead of other communities’ plans.

The Town of Huntingdon provided the real estate for the project. It is adjacent to Kelley Park and the Sesquicentennial Park, a small park gifted to the town of Huntingdon by the county of Carroll.
Lori Dillahunty, chairman, said “Having support is of the utmost importance to us. And now after receiving several grants from the state of Tennessee affirming what we have known all along. Carroll County families and friends will benefit from this unique playground for children of all ages and abilities.”

The board consists of members: Lori Dillahunty, Jennifer Johnson, Jennie Smith, Wendy Jones, Krystal Tippitt, Connie Bond, Nikki Cunningham, Allison Williams, Jimmy Crossett and Dana Cobb.

“We are grateful to be receiving funds from the Tennessee Disability Coalition, Tennessee Art Commission, and the inclusive playground grant from the Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. We also recently found out we are one of 14 recipients this year to be recognized as a Tennessee Healthy Built Environment. 137 letters of intent were submitted from across the state of Tennessee and we are encouraged that the committee wanted to partner with us and our project. This will add our location to a map on their website continuing to help us get information about our playground out to the public. When all is said and done we will have taken in over 1 million dollars for this project. We can’t thank the County Commission and our granters enough for getting us here.”

The group raised funds through special events, from municipalities.

The park started with the idea of at least having a swing designed for children with limited mobility and soon, the ad hoc group of volunteers envisioned greater things. The board of volunteers started with a bake sale in 2021. As word spread, more and more people in the community would share their experiences of taking their children to other cities with inclusion parks so they could be included as other children play.

Support for the project was widespread with people eager to provide for those who are not always included in activities. The idea soon expanded beyond a single inclusive swing.

New inclusive restrooms were constructed and include adjustable height sinks and changing tables, suitable for children or adults.

https://carrollcountyinclusionpark.org/