Hernando Playground Revitalized Through Community Donations
HERNANDO, Miss. — A community-driven effort has brought new life to a Hernando playground, thanks to donations from local nonprofits, businesses, and residents.
The project, which included two separate ribbon cuttings, was made possible without any city funding. Instead, organizations such as the Southern Community Foundation, Hernando Young Women’s Club, and the Hernando Chamber of Commerce stepped forward with contributions.
Southern Pediatric Therapy, through its newly created Southern Community Foundation, provided adaptive playground equipment purchased with proceeds from its first annual benefit gala earlier this year. The new additions include sensory-friendly features designed to support children with special needs, such as a spinning seat, adaptive swing, and a communication board for nonverbal children.
“These pieces of equipment are unique in that they make the playground inclusive for all children,” said Mary Kate King, marketing and event coordinator for Southern Pediatric Therapy. “Music elements, sensory seating, and communication tools create opportunities for every child to play.”
The Hernando Young Women’s Club sponsored a larger play structure, rubber surfacing, a merry-go-round, and an expression swing, while the Hernando Chamber of Commerce, through federal ARPA funds, supplied wood-fiber mulch to complete the project.
City leaders praised the revitalization effort as an example of Hernando’s community spirit.
“The playground was in bad shape, but now it’s something the entire city can be proud of,” Parks Director Jared Barkley said during the ribbon cutting. “This project didn’t cost taxpayers anything, and it improves not only the lives of our children but also the city’s curb appeal right in the heart of Hernando.”
Local families are already enjoying the improvements. Mayor Chip Johnson noted how one child with special needs has spent hours using the new sensory chair, while other children are eager to play on the upgraded equipment.
“This is the best-case scenario for the city,” Johnson added. “We are so grateful to all the nonprofits and individuals who made this project possible.”
Southern Pediatric Therapy and its Southern Community Foundation plan to continue its work by identifying new projects to support Hernando’s children in future years, with the next gala scheduled for 2026.
