State Rep. Esther Helton-Haynes, R-East Ridge, has secured $250,000 in state funding for an inclusive playground at the Jack Benson Heritage Park.
The money will be used by the Kiwanis Club of East Brainerd to build the 15,000-square-foot playground to provide opportunities for children of all abilities to experience sensory-rich play.
“Every child deserves to have access to quality recreational opportunities in our community,” Rep. Helton-Haynes said. “This remarkable new playground will be a place that everyone, including those with a disability, can enjoy and build memories together. I appreciate my colleagues in the General Assembly for their support of this worthy investment.”
The new playground, located in the East Brainerd community, will feature a variety of accessible amenities including musical, climbing and sliding activities along with shade and seating options, parking and restrooms. The total estimated cost of the project is $2 million.
The appropriated funds are part of a $52.8 billion balanced budget that was passed by the General Assembly in April.