The Texarkana, Arkansas Parks and Recreation Department announced the opening of a new playground at the Sandflat Glendale Shannon Neighborhood Center. The project, funded by a $56,000 grant from the Advertising and Promotion Commission, took roughly eight months from funding approval to installation.

Funding and Timeline

Department director Adam Dalby explained that once the grant was secured, the ordering process moved quickly. “Once we get the funding, it doesn’t take long for us to order it,” Dalby said. “The playground company’s production time can range anywhere from six weeks to six months, and then we have to wait on the installers to be able to come install it.”

Equipment and Community Impact

The new equipment is designed for children ages five to twelve, according to Barbara Pitts Riley, executive director of Bridging the Gaps of Arkansas. Riley noted the community’s excitement, adding, “I can’t remember when the last playground was installed. It’s probably been 40 years. The new equipment is something that we’ve been working on for probably about five years.”

Located near the basketball court at 209 E. 14th St., the playground offers a safe, modern space for families to gather and for children to engage in active play. The addition reflects the city’s ongoing commitment to improving recreational amenities for its residents.

Looking Ahead

City officials anticipate that the new playground will become a focal point for neighborhood events and family outings. The Parks and Recreation Department plans to continue evaluating community needs for future upgrades to other facilities within the Sandflat Glendale Shannon Center.

Residents are encouraged to visit the center and enjoy the new equipment, which represents a significant investment in the health and well‑being of Texarkana’s youth.

Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.