Perdido Kids Park, the popular playground that has been closed since April for a major overhaul, will welcome families back on Wednesday, Sept. 3. A 10 a.m. ribbon cutting will mark the reopening and is expected to draw Escambia County officials as well as members of the Kiwanis Club of Big Lagoon, the organization that led construction of the original park in 2010.
The park, located at 10004 Gulf Beach Hwy., had fallen into deteriorating condition, prompting county leaders to close it for renovations. The refreshed park features new, durable playground equipment, new ADA-accessible amenities and new fencing designed to make the space safer and more welcoming for children of all abilities.
Even with the upgrades, crews were careful to preserve pieces of the park that hold sentimental value for longtime visitors. Several original features remain in place, including the children’s handprint wall, the climbing trees, the swings, the existing picnic table pavilion and the airplane rocker toys.
“I’m especially excited that we were able to preserve several original components that hold sentimental value for many families, including the original children’s handprint wall, climbing trees, and the airplanes,” said District 2 Commissioner Mike Kohler. “Our Parks and Recreation team has been working incredibly hard on this project, and I look forward to seeing many families and children of all ages enjoy this new and improved park in District 2.”