New playground in works in Panama
A group of volunteers gathered on Sunday to install new playground equipment in Panama by an old school gym, a site that is near George Ollie Stadium and Willie Darneal Field. This new playground is completely funded though donations, grants, and fundraisers, and is not funded by the city.
On Sunday, volunteers rolled up their sleeves and got to work.
“Even the smallest of them were so eager to help and did all they could,” said Heath Bates, the organizer of the project.
Once completed, the playground will have gazebos, swings, a jungle gym, a kiddie merry-goround and a tricycle track. There will also be grills and a walking track.
Bates also said there will also be an accessible swing for wheelchairs installed, as well as a handicap accessible swing for adults.
He said a local woman, Diana Kaye Rust made a sizable donation for the purchase of the handicap accessible equipment. That was the first equipment installed by the volunteers on Sunday.
According to Rust, the donation was made in the memory of the late Parker Waldridge.
Bates said a plaque will be placed at the park in honor of the donation.
Bates said there has been an effort to install a playground at this property since last year. He said this is a great location for a playground.
“This is literally right in the middle of town,” he said.
Bates said that everyone in the community is excited about the playground. He will be scheduling another day for volunteers to help put up the rest of the playground equipment. For more information about the new playground, or if you want to volunteer, contact Health Bates at 918-413-7565.