Foley, Ala. - (OBA) - The newly refurbished Kids Park, which cost $1.2 million in reconstruction, will have its grand reopening on Saturday, presenting a brand-new playground for the city's children.

The dedication ceremony is slated to kick-off at 9:30 a.m. at the park's location on West Verbena Avenue, adjacent to the Max Griffin Pool. This comes after an extensive remodeling project, prompted by the deterioration of the park's original wooden structure, first erected in 2001. The park was initially expected to withstand about 15 years of the Gulf Coast climate but required an overhaul after exceeding its projected lifespan.

David Thompson, the Executive Director of Leisure Services, affirmed that the reconstruction work will be finished right on time for the weekend launch. "The Kid's Park is progressing smoothly and is set for its grand opening on Saturday," he stated.

While the park's original structures were replaced, the city found alternative uses for some elements of the old facility. For instance, the sign from the original park is currently being restored and will find a new home at the updated park.

The refurbished park is also set to carry a new name. A decision by the Foley City Council on May 1 led to the park being renamed in honor of Sara Thompson, a beloved second-grade teacher who had been instrumental in getting the original park built. Sara Thompson, who spent 20 years teaching at Foley Elementary School before her retirement, sadly passed away in 2022.

City officials have unveiled additional plans for the site. On May 15, the City Council approved the construction of a new fence surrounding Kids Park. Furthermore, the city intends to rebuild the pavilion demolished during the park's construction. The total expenditure reached $1.2 million for the park's revamp, the city managed to offset some costs through securing approximately $500,000 in grants.