Union County opens destination playground at Jesse Helms Park

Union County Parks and Recreation opened a new multi-generational “destination” playground at Jesse Helms Park during a morning ceremony, Jim Chaff, director of Union County Parks and Recreation, said at the event. The playground was built on former farmland and is intended as a local gathering place for families.

Chaff said the playground was designed to encourage physical activity across ages and to reflect the site’s agricultural history. “First and foremost, thank you guys for being out here this morning, for the opening of our new destination playground here at Jesse Helms Park,” Chaff said. He described the facility as connected to the AG Center and suitable for family gatherings.

Officials said the project was funded primarily with federal grants and that very little of the cost came from the county’s funds. The playground features a zip line, a “tractor swing,” slides and multiple activity stations that organizers said can keep children entertained for extended visits. One child visiting the park said, “My favorite part is definitely the zip line and the smiles.” Another child described the slides as “really fun and . . . fast.”

The site includes a national demonstration-site sign that visitors can scan; staff said the system collects visitor feedback and usage information so the playground can “learn” from how people use it. Chaff said the county and staff will be able to share reports on usage and visitor responses with Union County residents.

The opening remarks focused on the playground’s design, funding and family-use goals. No formal county action or vote was taken at the event.