Columbia County officially opened its newest playgrounds at Blanchard Park with a ribbon cutting on Wednesday, Dec. 13.
The three playgrounds were designed to have a woodsy look, which includes designs of tree branches and boulders, that kids of all ages can play on, which Community Services Deputy Director Dennis Hodges said the playgrounds are “unique” and there’s nothing else like it.
“I think just the nature-based style playground,” Hodges said of what makes it unique. “There’s nothing, this playground was actually specifically designed for Columbia County, you won’t find another one like it in the United States.”
As for why the county wanted three different playgrounds, Hodges said they wanted an area where people could walk the trails and kids could stop and play along the way.
“We’ve got one area that’s really catered toward smaller, younger children,” Hodges said. “Then we’ve got [one] area that’s catered really for like 5–12-year old’s and then the larger boulder climbing area towards the back of the park, that can be all the way up to teenagers. We wanted to provide something for that age group that we really don’t have anything to offer them, that 13–16-year old’s.”
Columbia County Board of Commissioners Chairman Doug Duncan thanked everyone for coming out to the ribbon cutting and said the county was looking forward to the opening of the new playground.
“I’ve seen this park over the years and actually coached football here at this park, and it’s brought very many pleasant memories,” said District 2 Commissioner Don Skinner. “I’m sure a lot of us have seen that and have very good memories at this park. I’m very proud that we have it in District 2, we’ve done a great job in preparing this park, we’ve got this new equipment to the kids and I would just like to say it brings unity to the neighborhood and I’m very proud that we have this park.”
Alissa Commerford, of Grovetown, came out with her kids to check out the Wellness Wednesday program offered by the county and to see the playground.
“I think it’s awesome. The kids love it,” Commerford said. “…I like how it’s shaded.”
For Stephanie Voss, of Grovetown, said she home schools her children and came out because they were excited for the new park.
“They love it,” Voss said. “It’s like the woods in the woods, they get to climb trees.”
The playgrounds are located at Blanchard Park, 4541 Dewey Drive in Martinez. They are near the dog park that is being built. For those coming in off Dewey Drive, drive through the parking lot and down the big hill. The playgrounds will be on the right along the walking trail. For those coming in off Oak Ridge Road, the playgrounds will be on the left just down from the newly paved parking lots near the dog park.
Stephanie Hill is the managing editor and covers Columbia County government for The Augusta Press. Reach her at stephanie@theaugustapress.com.
