30 Sep 2024 Fun for all

Posted at 8:24 PMh in Health & Beauty by

By Lori Dunn

The city of Jacksonville has a new star in its crown with the Marshall Smith Inclusive Playground at Dupree Park.

The new playground features equipment that allows children of all abilities to play on it. It includes child/parent swing sets, synthetic turf, sensory spaces, wheelchair ramps and more.

The Marshall Smith Inclusive Playground in Jacksonville features equipment that allows kids of all abilities to join in on the fun, including child/parent swing sets, synthetic turf, sensory spaces and wheelchair ramps. It has been recognized as a National Demonstration Site by Playcore and allows intergenerational play and social interaction, both of which are important to a child’s healthy development.

Dupree Park, the largest park in the city, is also an important part of Jacksonville’s history. For many residents, just driving by the park brings back memories of playing baseball or soccer there, said Emily Sundermeier, city communications director.

She believes the new playground will help a new generation create their own memories.

“You can drive by and see children and parents and people of all ages there. We have always talked about having an inclusive playground there. It’s been open for close to a year now, and we have had a great reaction from the community,” Sundermeier said.

The playground was named for Marshall L. Smith (1923-1991), who was born and raised in Jacksonville. He was the owner and operator of S and S Construction and was a large landowner.

The playground’s ribbon cutting was in October of 2023. The plan was for it to be finished earlier, but work was delayed due to the March 31, 2023, tornado that caused significant damage to Central Arkansas.

The EF3 tornado tracked more than 34 miles from west Little Rock through North Little Rock, Sherwood and Jacksonville before weakening on the other side of Cabot. One person was killed, more than 50 were injured and at least 2,700 structures were damaged, according to the National Weather Service. “Everybody in Central Arkansas remembers where they were that day,” Sundermeier said.

A lot of equipment at Dupree Park was destroyed that day. The completion of the inclusive playground was extra special as a result of the damage and loss the area suffered, Sundermeier said.

“The inclusive playground is a fresh start for moving on after the tornado,” she said. “This is the first inclusive playground we have, but we would love to have more down the road.”

The American Rescue Plan Act funded the playground by providing $400,000.

The playground has since been recognized as a National Demonstration Site (NDS) by PlayCore for advocating for inclusive play and advancing recreation through research-based practices.

PlayCore is a company that develops research and a complete portfolio of products, programs, and services to build healthy communities through recreation and outdoor spaces.

One of PlayCore’s philosophies is that various forms of play and physical activity are essential throughout life.

The city of Jacksonville has enjoyed having events at the playground. In July, the city partnered with local law enforcement for Popsicles in the Park. It was a fun way for the community to interact with police, firefighters and park employees, Sundermeier said.

“It’s always so much fun when people of all ages and abilities come together,” she said. The playground is located at 1700 Redmond Road in Jacksonville.

A Trunk or Treat is planned for 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Halloween at Dupree Park.