Daphne Project Sandbox inclusive park nears completion

Posted

DAPHNE – Construction of the playground for residents with physical and mental disabilities should be completed by the end of the month, Daphne city officials said.

Project Sandbox is a joint effort by the Daphne-Spanish Fort Kiwanis Club, Exceptional Foundation and city of Daphne. Daphne Mayor Robin LeJeune said supporters plan to open the park soon.

“As you’ve seen the progress we’ve made on the all-inclusive playground,” LeJeune said. “We’re super-excited about that. We’re hoping by the end of October to be completely done and open. They’re starting work on the Splash Pad right next to it, so that’s great.”

While all parks must comply with accessibility requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Project Sandbox park is an inclusive facility designed to meet the needs of users with physical or mental challenges, project supporters said.

In earlier meetings, LeJeune said city officials and supporters have been working several years to build the park. Plans for the facility were announced in 2019.

The total cost of the project is $350,000. The city provided the land for the park $100,000 for the project with the remainder to be raised by the Kiwanis Club and other sponsors. Fundraising work is continuing. On Wednesday, Oct. 6, Ray Moore of the Kiwanis Club presented LeJeune with the latest fundraising check for $4,946.71 toward the cost of the park.