HERMITAGE SPRINGS-Saturday is the first of many days local kids will reap the benefits of an impressive display of community pride shown here at Hermitage Springs Park, as the grand opening of the new playground and updated facility will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on June 15.

“Come out and help the kids celebrate,” organizers of the event said.  “Bring the family, friends, and neighbors to enjoy our beautiful new playground and refreshed park!”

Snacks and refreshments will be provided throughout the day, and door prizes will also be given away.

Additionally, organizers invited local musicians to come “do some pickin’ and singing” during the event.

The park has been closed for around a month while the amazing makeover has taken place, which was spearheaded by Tennessee First Lady Maria Lee and her Tennessee Serves initiative.

Following several weeks of preparation, the First Lady and Governor Bill Lee were joined by an army of volunteers over 100 strong—which included local elected officials, businesses, agencies, and civic groups from all across the county; Cleary Construction owners and employees; and representatives from Kaboom!, the Tractor Supply Foundation, and the Tennessee Titans—for a build day in mid-May, where their combined efforts resulted in what local youth will enjoy this weekend and for years to come.

Since then, final touches have been added and the new ADA-accessible play space is nearing completion, along with the entire park—which was refreshed with new paint, benches, picnic tables, landscaping, and more, as a part of the over $285,000 investment towards the success and wellbeing of the community.

The bathrooms were also upgraded, a fire pit was added, the basketball court was painted to allow for additional activities, murals were created, and much more.

Prior to build day, First Lady Lee hosted a Design Day in March at Hermitage Springs School to gather input from students, parents, and community members.  KABOOM! used the input to thoughtfully design the play space for the community.

Tennessee Serves invited all eight of Tennessee’s federally designated distressed counties to apply for the playground grant, and, after reviewing criteria, Clay County’s application, prepared by the local Chamber of Commerce, was selected.

The Hermitage Springs Park project marked the First Lady’s Tennessee Serves initiative’s largest-scale project to date.  To learn more, visit www.tn.gov/firstlady.  For more information about Hermitage Springs Park, call 615-388-0658.