Fort Payne's Village Raises a Playground!

They say it takes a village, and Fort Payne just showed the world how generous its village is! Tuesday morning saw smiling faces as city officials, community leaders, and a whole crew of volunteers gathered to snip the ribbon on a brand-spanking-new playground at Kiwanis Field, right next to the Wills Valley Recreation Center.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work!

This awesome project was a total collaboration between the City of Fort Payne, the Kiwanis Club, and GameTime, our very own playground equipment gurus! They pooled their resources, donations, and some serious volunteer hours to raise about $130,000 and turn a shared dream into a vibrant reality.

Fun for Everyone!

The new playground boasts all sorts of goodies for kids of all ages: slippery slides, cool bridges, nifty ramps, challenging climbing walls, sturdy ladders, and adventurous climbing nets! It's a fantastic addition to all the recreational fun our community already offers.

Smiles All Around

"This was a full team effort," exclaimed GameTime President S. Spencer Cheak. "The Kiwanis Club really drove this thing, but GameTime, other businesses, and the city all came together. This is why we do what we do – to make kids happy and build strong communities!"

Community Pride!

Kiwanis Club President Brandon McBride gave a huge shout-out to everyone who helped make the project a success. "Everyone just worked through the rain and the mud," he said. "It just shows you what kind of community we live in, and I'm so proud to be a part of Fort Payne!" He even thanked the Fort Payne High School Key Club for helping spread mulch and prep the playground.

More to Come!

Mayor Brian Baine emphasized that the playground represents both perseverance and progress for Fort Payne. "I appreciate your persistence in getting this done," Baine said. "This is just the beginning of what we hope to accomplish - pickleball courts, and maybe even a splash pad down the road!" The playground is just phase one of a bigger plan that includes a walking trail and a dog park, with a total investment of around $600,000.

A Gift to the Community!

The Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce echoed the community's excitement, calling the playground "a true gift," offering families a safe and fun place to create memories for years to come. Get ready to play, Fort Payne!