GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Goodlettsville's newest playground has an official opening date, city officials announced.

The City of Goodlettsville will hold a grand opening ceremony for the city's inclusive playground on Sunday, Sept. 7, at 2 p.m., complete with an official ribbon cutting.

Rachel's Garden has been a community-driven project inspired by Rachel West, daughter of Goodlettsville Fire Capt. Ricky West, according to a release from the city.

In 2018, West had the idea of an inclusive playground for children like his daughter, who is wheelchair bound. Now an adult, Rachel still served as the inspiration for the playground, which will now help others like Rachel who have different abilities.

The $1.7 million playground was made possible through a combination of state grants, matching city funds and grassroots fundraising, per city officials.

Some of the components include flower-themed shade structures, a swing designed for children in wheelchairs and other inclusive-minded play areas. State of the art artificial grass provides shock-resistant yet wheelchair-friendly surfacing, according to the city.

"It's for everyone to play together, so there's a place for everyone to enjoy," Goodlettsville Senior Director of Public Services Sarah Jennings told News 2 in a May interview about the playground.

In Rachel's words, the city said: "I like the ability to move my chair up next to my nieces and nephews."

The sentiment is one echoed by a veteran who was able to play alongside his children at a similar park, per the city.

"At more than 20,000 square feet, Rachel’s Garden will be a premier inclusive playground destination in Middle Tennessee, ensuring that every child—regardless of ability—has a place to laugh, grow, and belong," the city said in a social media post about the grand opening.

Rachel's Garden is located at Peay Park and adjacent to the existing splash pad and the Delmas Long Community Center.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/middle-tn-neighborhood-news/rachels-garden-gets-grand-opening-date-in-goodlettsville/