After receiving five bids for the installation of a welded steel fence system for Horse Fork Creek Park, Fiscal Court selected a contracting company to install a fence that will encompass both the new spray park and an inclusive playground that county commissioners are hoping to have built soon.
County commissioners approved a $17,500 bid for the installation of the fence. By providing a boundary around the spray park and hopeful playground, county commissioners believe children will be better protected as the park sits in close proximity to Fairview Drive.
Moreover, the park gives parents a sense of security, especially for those who have children with special needs, such as autism, in that the fence will keep children from wandering too far off. With only one exit and entrance gate being installed, the burden of checking for gates left open around the park won’t be as much of a concern either.
“With the gate, the kids come in, and that’d be the only in-and-out gate,” Mattingly said. “The kids would be protected once they’re inside. It’s steel, which we think is a better product.”
Fiscal Court has applied for a $150,000 grant to have an inclusive playground built at Horse Fork Creek Park, one that would serve those with disabilities and provide playground equipment for individuals in wheelchairs as well.
The playground is slated to be built inside the fence and next to the newly opened spray park. Though Fiscal Court doesn’t yet know whether they’ve been awarded the grant for the playground, they’ve prepared for enough space within the fence’s boundaries to accommodate it.
