City of Talladega Blog

(Talladega, AL) A groundbreaking ceremony for Unity Playground, Talladega’s first-ever inclusive ADA public playground, was held on October 8, 2024.

The playground will benefit those who are blind, deaf or deaf/blind; those with diverse health conditions; and those who use wheelchairs. It will also benefit children who do not require an ADA compliant environment as they may have family members or friends who do need accessible playground equipment. At Unity Playground, children of all abilities will be able to play together in a safe, inclusive environment.

During the ceremony, City Manager Derrick Swanson welcomed sponsors and community members and highlighted the historic significance of the park. The invocation was led by Pastor Barbara Embry. Danard Watts of T-Mobile, which awarded the City of Talladega $50,000 to help establish the park, and Kay Jennings of TCR Childcare Corporation, which committed $75,000 to the project, shared their excitement about Unity Playground. Jennings' heartfelt message highlighted how the park will benefit her grandchild, who was present for the ceremony. In addition, Hannah Chandler shared her excitement about having a wheelchair-accessible park where she can play.

In addition to Swanson, Jennings, Watts, and Chandler, AIDB President Dr. Dennis Gilliam, ARC of North Talladega County Executive Director Janie Curtis, Jeremy Wise, Phyllis Patterson, Brandon Crosby, Councilman Steve Dickerson, Councilwoman Vickey Hall, Councilman Hugh Sims, Teresa Jackson, Angela Thomas, Anna Knight and baby Maryn came forward for the symbolic breaking of the ground.

Unity Park sponsors also include the ARC of North Talladega County and Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind.  

For sponsorship information or to purchase a piece of equipment for the playground, please contact Mary Sood at msood@talladega.com.