Franklin's First All-Inclusive Playground Is Open, and the Kids Approve

By Jon Tharp, Broker  ·  November 12, 2026

Kids were already climbing on the new equipment and laughing when Franklin Mayor Stacy Guffey and local leaders officially opened the town's first all-inclusive playground on November 6. The new play space sits beside the town's skateboard park off Van Raalte Street, in the former Whitmire property area.

The town designed it to give children with varying physical, sensory, and developmental needs a place to play side by side with family and friends. It is part of a new $2 million park, paid for in part by a PARTF grant through the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund.

What's included in the first phase of the park?

Along with the playground itself, phase one adds a new restroom building and grassy open areas for extra play space and picnicking. The town received the grant after local citizens brought the need for a specialized play space to the town's attention.

In brief remarks before the ribbon cutting, Guffey thanked the Parks and Recreation Department for its work on the facility. Attendees gave the crew on hand a hearty round of applause.

What else is planned for the park?

Guffey told Macon Sense that future expansion plans include a pavilion, a picnic area, and access routes to the park itself.

"We're updating the bicycle pedestrian plan, looking at safety and crosswalks, especially from the Highlands Road and Main Street intersection," Guffey said. He added that while the playground is very accessible to the local neighborhood, the town wants to conduct a survey to look at adding more and safer connectors so children from the elementary school and other nearby neighborhoods can also access the park.

Town planner Callie Barnett said the town is considering additional options such as a farmer's market and walking trails feeding off the wider property area the town acquired.

What was opening day like?

During the short opening event, children were using all of the new facility's equipment, running up ladders, balancing on bridges, and gliding down sliding boards.

Diane Rogers was one of many family members keeping a close eye on things. She said her grandson, first grader Asher Levesque, had been counting down the days for the opening as he watched the playground being constructed. Running by, Asher and eight other children jumped onto the merry-go-round and started a dizzying whirl while laughing at each other.

Rogers said she was happy to hear of future additions to the playground, including a covered area for families. "This is going to be very popular with families," she said with a smile.

How can the community help take care of it?

During the park's construction, vandals heavily damaged the restroom area, which was in excellent condition as the park opened for public use.

"We'd like to keep this in pristine condition, and the community can do their part too," Barnett said.

Read the full Macon Sense report: https://maconsense.com/2026/11/11/sunnyside-park-playground-opened-with-shouts-of-joy/

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Franklin's new all-inclusive playground?

The playground is next to the town's skateboard park off Van Raalte Street, in the former Whitmire property area.

How was the new Franklin park paid for?

The Town of Franklin received a PARTF grant through the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund for partial funding of the $2 million park.