The anticipated reinvention of Ingle Park with the all-inclusive Connected Playground will be unveiled at the end of June.

For area residents, the park will provide a setting that is inclusive for children of all abilities with carefully designed features aimed at safety and fun.

The park’s redesign has been a community effort, including three fundraisers through the Dinner on First event as well as contributions from organizations like Cullman Rotary as well as individuals, said Cullman Parks and Recreation Director Nathan Anderson.

“It’s still Ingle Park, but the new features such as the playground equipment, an elaborate drainage system, basketball goals, pickleball courts, restrooms and pavilions will create a new environment for everyone to enjoy,” Anderson said. “So many people have stepped forward to make this possible, including the mayor and City Council. They enthusiastically said let’s finish this and it’s safe to say will be having that opening ceremony by the end of June.”

Pickleball is a paddle sport, similar to a racquet sport, combining elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis. Two or four players use solid paddles made of wood or composite materials to hit a perforated polymer ball over a net. Anderson said pickleball is one of the most popular trends in recreational sports among all ages.

The investment, including money and in-kind work, will total around $500,000 when the park opens for the public. Fundraisers alone brought in about $200,000.

“The anticipation is high and a lot of people have been by to see the progress,” Anderson said. “It is an inclusive playground for children of all abilities. This means there is something for everyone. It’s been carefully planned and modeled after similar parks that are immensely popular in communities.”

The Cullman Parks and Recreation Foundation Board, the Park Board, mayor and City Council, along with the city’s Street Department and Parks and Recreation maintenance team have contributed to the completion of the park throughout the project.

Some of the equipment is lower than typically seen to allow wheelchair access, and the playground features an artificial turf surface that will make it easier to roll a wheelchair, Anderson said. 

Other special features include enclosed spaces that can provide support and stability so children can sit up on their own, as wells as sound and touch features that can be beneficial to kids with sensory issues, he said.

“We’re excited to see the opening for the park in sight,” said Mayor Woody Jacobs. “The council has been supportive and share that excitement in helping to provide a place where all children and families can enjoy fun and healthy activities. This is going to add another important feature in the quality of life you can have living in Cullman.”

David Palmer may be contacted at 256-734-2131, ext. 116.