Year in Preview: Overton playground

In the early part of 2016, Overton Park will have a new set of playground equipment for local kids to enjoy.

Parks and Recreation Superintendent Rusty Holley said removal of the old playground began in mid-December. The parks board had asked for new equipment due to age and weathering of the equipment. In addition, Holley said the new equipment will conform to accessibility guidelines that the former playground did not, making Overton Park more enjoyable for children of all abilities.

The new playground structures are set to be installed in the first half of 2016. Holley said the new equipment consists of one main play structure and two or three ground structures, with a total cost of $48,000.

Along with this new playground, Holley said the Parks and Recreation Department will be continuing two of its newest sports in 2016. Elementary girls’ volleyball and first- through fifth-grade flag football played their inaugural seasons in 2015. Holley said flag football was especially popular.

“We had inquiries from parents and perceived there was a need for this program. Over 150 kids played in the program’s inaugural season and [we] look for it to grow even more in 2016,” Holley said.

Holley recommended parents contact Athletics Coordinator Jakob Stephens at 332-6709 or jakob.stephens@homewoodal.org if their child is interested in playing volleyball, flag football or any other sports offered by Parks and Recreation.