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The City of Albemarle’s newest playground is now open. Located at the E.E. Waddell Community Center, the playground equipment features slides, swing sets and games geared for children ages 5-12. The playground is environmentally friendly and includes recycled materials.

“We are so excited to have this new playground for the children of our community to enjoy. The playground goes to the heart of our mission at Parks and Recreation, which is to enhance lives with recreation facilities and programs that encourage fun, fellowship and wellness,” said Lisa Kiser, Albemarle Parks and Recreation director.

“Special thanks to Atrium Health and the Stanly Health Foundation for their wonderful support and partnership in this project. We are truly grateful for their generosity.”

Albemarle Parks and Recreation already had plans to install a new playground at E.E. Waddell Center when Atrium Health and Stanly Health Foundation reached out for a partnership. Atrium Health and the Stanly Health Foundation provided $25,000 in funding. Albemarle Parks and Recreation covered the remaining $35,000 price.

Parks and Recreation staff installed the equipment and will maintain the playground.

Representatives of Albemarle Parks and Recreation, City Council, Atrium Health, Stanly Health Foundation and members of the community recently attended a ribbon cutting to mark the opening of the playground.

“Stanly Health Foundation is delighted to collaborate with Atrium Health Stanly’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council and Albemarle Parks and Recreation to create this new opportunity for outdoor play for the community,” said Jane Boone, executive director, Stanly Health Foundation. “We hope this playground provides endless hours of enjoyment as kids move their bodies and engage in creative play.”

“It was an honor and privilege for Atrium Health Stanly to partner with the Stanly Health Foundation and Albemarle Parks and Recreation to provide this playground to our community’s children as well as future generations,” added Brian Freeman, facility executive, Atrium Health Stanly. “We hope to create healthy habits through activity at an early age. I am very proud of the efforts given by our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council on this community outreach project.”