Rotary Park in Hopkinsville was crowded with folks celebrating the grand opening of Playtopia, the park’s new inclusive playground, on Tuesday.
Playtopia is a 13,600 square-foot playground and includes multiple levels accessible by ramps, designed for accessible play for all ages. Before the ribbon was cut, community leaders who helped bring the park to life shared why this mission was important to them.
Holly Bivins played a key role in the playground’s fundraising process. Around three years ago, the Hopkinsville Rotary Club presented a $100,000 grant to the Hopkinsville City Council to rename Pardue Lane Park to Rotary Park on Pardue Lane. While council members discussed upgrades for the park, Bivins proposed adding an inclusive playground to their development plan, and it was approved.
Playtopia is meant to allow disabled and able-bodied children to play together, and Bivins says she hopes the playground encourages them to be more empathetic and accepting of others as they grow up.
Rotary Club President Landan Stallons says he was honored to have the club be a part of this endeavor and calls the playground something to be proud of. He also says his kiddos have already played at the park, and they absolutely love it.
Hopkinsville Parks and Recreation Superintendent Toby Hudson says Playtopia represents years of planning, hard work and collaboration to create a space that can serve all Hopkinsville citizens, and he believes they were successful.
In the near future, Bivins says an entryway arch for the playground will be constructed, and they will look into establishing a fence around the park.
Rotary Park is located at 151 Pardue Lane, and along with Playtopia, it includes a walking trail and the Hopkinsville Dog Park.
