The Salem City Council took another step forward in making the Inclusive Playground in Bryan Memorial Park a reality.
The council approved a $330,000 proposal from the Hutchison Company that will provide Miracle Equipment for the 70 by 100 foot playground area.
However, the approval didn’t come until after a discussion if the proposed location along Route 37 across from Salem Community High School was the best location. Councilman Craig Morton questioned if there wasn’t a better location because he feared the loss of around 30 trees.
Public Works Director John Pruden says the actual number of trees impacted will most likely be closer to 11.
“This site checked all the boxes. It’s viewable from the highway which will minimize vandalism. It’s the least innocuous as far as tree removal, site drainage, some of the parking is there, it’s accessible to some of the other playground equipment. We’ve racked our brains and I understand the loss of trees but we can always plant more trees. This is by far the best location within that park for the accessible playground.”
The committee will now work with an engineer at Hutchison to finalize the plans that need to be approved by the State Department of Natural Resources which is providing an OSLAD matching grant to cover about half the cost.
Mayor Pro-Tem Nic Farley thanked those responsible for bringing the project to reality.
“I also want to commend the Lions Club because this project would not be here if it weren’t for a collection of folks from the committee from the Lions Club, Shelli McIntosh and a few others that have raised money and worked their fannies off. This is a big deal for Salem because it will attract a lot of people to the park that otherwise would not come here.”
City Manager Rex Barbee also added his thanks. He’s hopeful the inclusive playground is ready to open sometime this summer.
Barbee adds the OSLAD grant will also allow for other ammenities to be added to Bryan Memorial Park including exercise stations along the walking trail and sand volleyball courts.
