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Irmo council backs $140,000 toward inclusive playground at Rawls Creek Park
Summary
After public comment from local advocates, the Town of Irmo approved Resolution 25-02 expressing formal support for an inclusive playground and interactive art park at Rawls Creek Park and committing about $140,000 for site preparation, benches, irrigation and landscaping; the Door Home and partners will fund equipment and construction.
The Town of Irmo council on Jan. 20 adopted a resolution supporting the development of an inclusive playground and interactive art park at Rawls Creek Park and committed approximately $140,000 toward site preparation, park benches, irrigation and landscaping.
The resolution says the Door Home, an Irmo-based nonprofit, and the Friends of Rawls Creek Inclusive Playground Council will raise additional funds for playground equipment and construction. Rawls Creek Park sits on land leased by the town from the Richland County Recreation Commission, the resolution states.
At a public comment period before the vote, Stacy Atkinson, chair of the Door Home, urged the council to back an accessible playground that would serve children and adults of all abilities. “This initiative is not a playground. It’s about creating a sanctuary where children and adults of all abilities can play, explore, laugh, and build meaningful friendships,” Atkinson said.
Jeannie Gravelle, executive vice chair of the Door Home, told the council she and other local volunteers are prepared to raise private funds to help complete the project. Gravelle said the project would supplement neighborhood recreational options and foster community ties.
Mayor Danielson spoke in support of the plan, saying the project was “just about doing the right thing.” Councilmembers moved and seconded the resolution; the roll call recorded unanimous support.
Resolution 25-02 describes the proposed facility as meeting national safety standards and says the town’s contribution will be used for site preparation and landscaping while the Door Home and its partners pursue funds for equipment and construction. The resolution also calls for continued collaboration with the Door Home and the Richland County Recreation Commission on implementation and maintenance.
Council members and staff did not set an explicit construction schedule during the meeting. The Door Home and Friends of Rawls Creek representatives indicated fundraising and design work will continue; the resolution does not specify a completion date.
The council’s action does not itself authorize construction contracts or equipment purchases; those would appear on later agendas if staff and partners present detailed plans and procurement requests.
Funding and next steps: the resolution commits about $140,000 from the Town of Irmo for site preparation, benches, irrigation and landscaping; the Door Home and the Friends of Rawls Creek Inclusive Playground Council will raise the remainder for equipment and construction, according to the resolution text and public presenters.
The council adopted the resolution during its Jan. 20 meeting; staff said they will continue coordinating with the Door Home and the Richland County Recreation Commission on implementation and maintenance.
