TO BE YOUNG IN LIMESTONE: Neighborhood parks offer free entertainment for families

Published 12:30 pm Sunday, February 18, 2018

Parents who may not have a lot of money to spend on expensive outings for young children are encouraged to patronize one of Athens’ four neighborhood parks.

Not only is admission free to the parks, but there’s also plenty of room for children to run and have fun. Plus, the parks aren’t so big that a parent would have to worry about a child being lost there.

Ben Wiley, director of Athens’ parks and recreation department, said the neighborhood parks offer value to residents on a budget. He can remember walking from his grandparents’ house to Lincoln-Bridgeforth Park as a child to play basketball.

“I keep hearing more and more about what a great place Athens is to raise a family, and that’s why the neighborhood parks are such a good thing,” Wiley said.

Wiley explained most of the public comments about the parks are that they are landlocked, meaning there’s little opportunity for expansion. He said most upgrades aren’t cheap and require City Council approval.

Wiley wants to look at upgrading playground equipment and possibly provide Wi-Fi access at each park. Even though being connected to a phone or tablet may defeat the purpose of being outdoors, there are a number of apps — like Pokémon GO — that combine the experiences.

“With technology changing, we need to embrace stuff like that,” Wiley said.

Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks described neighborhood parks as a quality of life measure. He hopes to provide more green space at the former Pilgrim’s Pride property, recently purchased by the city of Athens for $550,000. Marks said the city planned to partner with community groups to make that happen.

Like Wiley, Marks has goals for the city’s parks. He said the city may also look at building a park on the west side of town, but he wants to make sure the resources are there to support it.

“We have to plan it carefully because we don’t want the ability to maintain and take care of our parks to diminish,” he said.

Wiley said he’s working on a five-year capital plan for his department. In addition to the neighborhood parks, he’d like the city to approve a dog park, which he believes would be a big hit with citizens of all ages.

“There are many reasons we need to continue improving our parks,” he said. “They provide free recreation and free entertainment.”

Parks at a glance

Each of Athens’ neighborhood parks also offers a different experience. Most offer pavilions that can be rented and kitchenettes. To reserve a pavilion, call 256-233-8740 or visit athensal.us/175/Parks-Recreation.

The following is a look at each of Athens’ neighborhood parks and what they offer for children:

• Lincoln-Bridgeforth Park (815 Westview Ave., Athens): The park features a basketball court, horseshoe pits, playground and tennis court;

• Jimmy Gill Park (333 W. Sanderfer Road, Athens): Park features a multi-use ball field, basketball court and playground;

• Wellness Park (940 W. Washington St., Athens): Park features a playground and walking track;

• Robert Allen Tinnon Park (802 Fifth Ave., Athens): Park features a multi-use ball field, playground and walking track;

• Big Spring Park (350 East Market St., Athens): Park features a tennis court, playground and pond;

• All Kids Park (1403 U.S. 31 North, Athens): An all-inclusive fort-like playground provides recreation for kids of all needs; and

• Swan Creek Park (101 U.S. 31 South, Athens): Park features a tennis court, playground, horseshoe pits and a multi-use ball field.