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Leitchfield council authorizes pursuit of financing for inclusive playground at Firefighters Park
Summary
Council voted March 2 to let the finance director negotiate funding and partnerships for a proposed 12,000-square‑foot inclusive playground and larger splash pad at Firefighters Park. Designers presented accessibility features; council members discussed usage, summer meal counts, and cost estimates.
The Leitchfield City Council on March 2 authorized city staff to pursue financing and potential tourism commitments to fund a proposed all‑inclusive playground and expanded splash pad at Firefighters Park.
Parks and Recreation director Print Van Meter presented design renderings from the firm Blade Rose for a consolidated playground that would replace three separate play areas with a single roughly 12,000‑square‑foot structure featuring multiple slides, accessible surfacing for wheelchairs, sensory‑friendly areas and improved sight lines. The existing splash pad would be replaced by a larger unit with dispersed water features; plans include perimeter fencing to improve on‑site supervision and shaded picnic structures.
Council member Gary (speaking on use) cited Grayson County Schools meal program counts at the park during the summer — samples presented showed hundreds of meals distributed at nearby site visits — to underline high seasonal attendance and the need for greater capacity and visibility. Council member Clayton moved to allow the finance director to pursue financing and negotiate terms with banks and tourism partners; Terry seconded and the motion passed by voice vote.
During discussion, Van Meter conveyed that quotes had been obtained and that the presenter cited "approximately $1.6 $6 million" for the feature; the exact total was not clearly stated in the meeting record. Council members noted some existing equipment could be repurposed, that fencing cost was not included in the quoted figure, and that final costs will require updated quotes and contract negotiations. The vote authorizes staff to negotiate financing; any actual contract awards or construction appropriations would return to council for specific approval.
