Jones County opens inclusive playground in Trenton
JONES COUNTY — Jones County officials, community partners and families gathered Monday morning to celebrate the opening of a new accessible playground in Trenton, marking what local leaders described as a major step forward for recreation and inclusion in the county.
The ribbon cutting for the Jones County accessible playground was held at 10 a.m. Monday at 1549 N.C. 58 South. The program included remarks from county leaders, Trillium Health Resources, recreation officials and community advocates before the ribbon was cut and children were invited to begin using the new playground.
Commissioner April Acock said the project carries both public and personal meaning for her as a county leader and as a mother.
“I am here as a county commissioner today, but I’m also here as a mother, because this playground behind me makes me so happy,” Acock said during the ceremony. “To finally say we have a playground in the middle of Jones County for our kids, all kids, to be able to play, that is such a big accomplishment.”
Acock said the project answered a need she had heard from residents for years and thanked the Mills family for helping make the land available for the project. She said the new playground is only the beginning of what could eventually become a larger recreation and wellness destination for the county.
The event also highlighted the partnerships that helped bring the project to life. Victoria Jackson of Trillium Health Resources said the organization has supported more than 40 accessible playgrounds and works to create spaces where children and individuals with intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities can experience the joy of play. Nicole Harris, who spoke as both an advisory committee member and parent of autistic children, said resources like the new playground were not available when her children were younger and called the new site a significant asset for local families.
Brittany Shipp of N.C. State University’s Recreation Resources Service said Jones County’s project was funded through the state’s accessible parks grant program and ranked ninth out of 29 applications submitted in that round. She said the investment supports not only the playground itself, but other site features including walkways, parking, seating and additional park amenities.
Jones County Recreation Director David Mallard called the playground a milestone years in the making and said it will serve as more than just a place for children to play.
“It’s going to be a gathering place where mom, dad, grandparents, cousins come on out and pass the time,” Mallard said.
County Manager Kyle Smith said the playground is part of a broader long-term vision for the 35-acre property, which county leaders hope will continue to grow with additional recreation and wellness features in the future. He said the county has heard interest in other amenities, including walking trails, a pavilion, a splash pad and a wellness center.
Monday’s event ended with the ribbon cutting and a simple invitation to the crowd, especially the children waiting nearby: Let’s play.
