Battlefield Park recently got numerous upgrades that include new playground equipment for kids, a pavilion, picnic tables, trash bins and LED lighting. These efforts were initiated and funded by the City of Jackson’s Parks and Recreation Division.

A couple years ago, Battlefield Park was identified as a park that had drainage issues in the playground area and needed several repairs. This lead to a long range plan for the park and funds were set aside from the Parks and Recreation’s general funds to complete the necessary upgrades this year. The cost of the new playground was $425,000 dollars and was completed this month.

The playground features a new spring like surface that children can bounce on and be safe if they fall down. Several swings, monkey bars, interactive games, and a 30 foot tunnel.

Allen Jones, Director of Parks and Recreation, is extremely proud that this playground is accessible to children with disabilities. He said a couple of years ago he had a conversation with a mother who had a child with a disability, and she shared her concern about not having any park to take her child to, because of his needs. Jones said he told the woman, “I will do everything I can to build a safe place for your child.”

Now Jones said he is proud to say that the playground at Battlefield Park is ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant. The playground has several ramps in which children in wheel chairs can go up on. The playground area is free of steps and there are swings that have safety harnesses that will hold children in place.

Allen Jones said, “These investments in the parks are for the citizens, and that parks belong to the citizens.”

Check out the upgrades below.