New ADA-inclusive playground opens in Horn Lake

The City of Horn Lake is big on fun and making its parks and playgrounds fun for everyone. With that in mind, city officials and the Horn Lake Lions Club Friday held a grand opening and ribbon cutting of its new American with Disabilities Act (ADA)-inclusive playground at Latimer Lakes Park.

City Parks Director Drew Coleman said the playground covers 6,300 square feet and features several state-of-the-art innovations.

“This is so special to our community because it brings everybody together,” Coleman said. “It has revolution spinners and four ADA swings with two belt swings. It’s got multiple slides, a wheelchair-accessible ramp all of the way to the superstructure.”

Coleman added the playground has plenty of shade over the swings and main playground along with viewing areas for parents with shade covering all of it.

The parks director said the playground fills a need that parents in the community had been asking for. 

“They felt that we needed a playground that was all-ADA accessible for everyone and inclusive for everyone,” Coleman said. “They really pushed for this, the Board of Aldermen voted for it and now the dream has come true.”

Horn Lake’s new playground costs $374,000 to construct with the Horn Lake Lions Club working with the City in the funding.   Mayor Allen Latimer said it’s a wonderful piece of equipment that is open to everyone.  

“In the past, we had some people who weren’t able to use other playground equipment,” Mayor Latimer said. “This will give them the opportunity to come out and enjoy the park, enjoy being with their family and friends.”