CLAXOTN, Tenn. (Story courtesy of WVLT) – Anderson County residents have about a month left to share their thoughts on a new park to replace the recently demolished Kids Palace playground in Claxton.
TVA demolished the playground last week after Anderson County leaders returned the land to the federal agency.
Chuck Chandler said he and other community members saved money to build Kids Palace playground 25 years ago. The community finished construction in five days.
Commissioner Wandell said he was disappointed the old playground was demolished before construction could start on a new one.
“I feel like we’ve cheated our kids. I feel like we’ve cheated the community that built this park many, many years ago and the forefathers that put it together,” Wandell said. “I just feel like we might have let them down some.”
“It has to be somewhere visible where the kids can feel safe, parents safe,” Chandler said.
Commissioner Chad McNabb said the location, features and name for the new park are still in early talks.
A survey is now available for residents to share their wishes for the new park.
“A lot of people have a lot of great ideas like splash pads. That’s been very popular,” McNabb said. “One of the things that’s on the survey that is really important to me is some sort of monument or memorial for the families that originally came together and built the original kids palace. That’s really important to me and that’s actually an option on there.”
Chandler said he wants to make sure the new park plans move forward since there’s nothing for kids in the community.
“I don’t want just little swings and a teeter totter and a merry-go-round type thing, I would like to see a fun park for the kids, you know something they can look forward going to,” Chandler said.
One possible location for the new park is at the new Claxton Elementary. Construction should be done in a year and a half.
The survey is available here.
