Wallace Begins phase one on inclusive playground at Clement Park

WALLACE — Phase one of Wallace’s new inclusive playground project is underway at Clement Park, bringing more than five years of planning and fundraising to life with accessible play opportunities for children of all abilities.

“We are very excited to get this project started. It has been a very long process,” David Bizzel, Wallace Parks and Recreation director told Duplin Journal.

Phase one includes relocating the current playground at Clement Park to Dobbins Park as part of the Dobbins Park Renovation Project, which will also feature a picnic shelter and walking path. Once the playground is reassembled at Dobbins Park, construction will begin on the new inclusive playground at Clement Park. Meanwhile, residents are encouraged to use the Farrior Park playground while construction is ongoing.

“We hope to have the entire project completed by Thanksgiving, with both playgrounds up and ready for use,” Bizzel said. “That is of course depending on weather and any unforeseen problems we may run into.”

The Parks and Recreation Department has been busy with several other initiatives, including renovations of the old Clement School building, now home to the department offices and a community building with a cardio room open to the public.

Designs are also underway for a soccer complex at Farrior Park, along with new soccer fields at Clement Park.  Future projects include a tennis and pickleball facility at Farrior Park and the potential addition of a splash pad at Clement Park.

“We have a lot going on, and we are very excited about the future of our department,” Bizzel told Duplin Journal.