Finch Park playground is ready for visitors
Lexington Mayor Newell Clark is joined by City Council members, City of Lexington staff and children at the ribbon cutting for Finch Park’s playground.
{Kassaundra Shanette Lockhart/Davidson Local}
The much-anticipated wait is over. On Monday morning, June 7, city of Lexington officials, citizens and children assembled to celebrate Finch Park’s new playground. With excited toddlers and adolescents still exploring in the background, Lexington Mayor Newell Clark smiled as he used oversized scissors to cut the red ribbon signaling the official opening of the structure.
The old playground, which was removed in 2020, had been in place nearly 23 years. Citing the fact it had exceeded its “lifespan,” Lexington Parks and Recreation staff and City Council began exploring options to replace the structure at the city’s largest park a few years ago.
Children give the whirl a try.
{Kassaundra Shanette Lockhart/Davidson Local}
Selecting Churchich Recreation and Design out of Bluffton, SC to take lead on designing the state-of-the-art attraction, there were many modern-day elements the staff sought to incorporate. Keeping the varying aptitudes of kids at the forefront of their mind, the playground had to be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
“With the new play structure, it was the city’s desire to include elements that were more inclusive of children of differing abilities,” said Laura Duran, Parks and Recreation director. “Instead of the wood fiber that’s often used as safety surfacing, we went with artificial turf to give those using wheelchairs or walkers the opportunity to move around easily between the play elements. There’s a whirl that allows those using wheelchairs or walkers to board it at ground level to play and interact with other children. The accessible cyclo-cone climber has an opening so that children with less dexterity can participate without having to hold on, but rather they will climb in.”
The playground features a two-story, 14 foot custom Heptagon Mega Tower with five slides, climbing wall and a tree-o climber. Leading off the tower are bongo perches attached to fitness challenge pieces, a flux capacitor climber and a hover net. On its first day, the slides were a major hit.
“I like it very much,” Kalani, seven, shared with a big smile. “I tried one of the big slides. It was pretty fast.” Attending opening day with her mother, her mother’s friend and her friend, Elaina, both Kalani and Elaina were already planning to spend many of the summer days at the park.
“We can play together because haven’t seen each other in over a year because of COVID,” Elaina explained.
These are the types of expressions Clark liked hearing as he talked with children, parents and grandparents. Before displaying bravery by descending through the 14 foot slide, Clark shared thoughts about what this milestone means to not only Lexington but Davidson County.
“It’s another good day in Lexington. We continue to grow and have progress. I want to thank the parks and recreation department for wanting to do things different and Terra Greene [city manager] for the continuation of the Re-Creation of Recreation.”
Judy Briggs, who has lived in Lexington a couple of years, brought her grandson, Noah, to the park. She reveled in the massiveness of the playground and plethora of options the structure produces.
“It’s amazing. It’s great for the older kids. It’s almost like a ninja-type playground and has a lot of different things for the kids. Parents can enjoy it also.”
Families enjoy the many elements at the playground.
{Kassaundra Shanette Lockhart/Davidson Local}
Seeing multiple generations enjoying the apparatus was a welcomed sight for Churchich representative Matt Schramm. “It’s great to be out here. And seeing all the kids, finally, outside playing and enjoying a piece of equipment that’ll hopefully be part of their childhood memories and part of the community for the next 20 to 30 years.”
Despite weather and other factors causing delays, Duran believes the product speaks for itself. “I think we can all say it was well worth the wait. It’s the nicest playground in Davidson County.”
Additionally, Finch Park has swings, another playground, shelters, grills, a pond, a mountain bike trail, ball fields and a multipurpose field. Shelter 4 is adjacent to the new playground. To reserve it, visit registration.lexingtonnc.gov. The park is located at 15 Paul Beck Rd. Lexington, NC 27292 and is open daily 8 a.m. to dusk.
Click here to watch Andrew Lance, Parks and Recreation assistant director, explain the many features of the playground.
