Wallace debuts state-of-the-art playground

Wallace town officials, representatives of Trillium Health Resources, and a group of excited children gathered in Clement Park on March 5 to officially open a new inclusive and accessible playground. The large facility marks the 42nd playground of its type, made possible thanks to funds from Trillium Health Resources.

“To my knowledge, the closest type of playground like this is in Wrightsville Beach,” Mayor Jason Wells told Duplin Journal at the ribbon-cutting.

“Everyday playground equipment just doesn’t allow certain kids with certain disabilities to be able to play. This will allow one place for everybody to come play and have a good time, and feel a part of something special. This is state-of-the-art, as high-tech as it gets,” said Wells.

Mayor Pro-Tem Francisco Rivas-Diaz said the playground is a major addition to the area.

“It just shows how open and progressive Wallace is by making the facility available to kids of all types,” he said. “It’s a great thing for the region, the county, and for Wallace.”

Haley Sink, director of health equity at Trillium Health Resources, told Duplin Journal in an interview that helping construct 42 of these playgrounds is in line with the health plan’s mission.

“We serve individuals with mental health, intellectual and developmental disabilities, physical disabilities and traumatic brain injuries,” Sink said. “We want our members to be able to play beside any of their neighbors.”

Sink added that seeing these playgrounds become reality has a personal effect on her.

“My sister uses a wheelchair and there was nowhere for us to play together when we were growing up,” she said. “So, every time we do this, it really is a dream come true.