Children of all abilities will soon be able to enjoy the new playgrounds at Heritage Park.

Florence will be holding a grand reopening cerebration for the two newly installed playgrounds for ages 2-5 and 5-12 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Jan. 11 at 600 N. Main St.

“These playgrounds represent more than just a recreation improvement — it’s a symbol of our community’s commitment to compassion,” Mayor Keith Eaton stated in a town press release. “As a parent of a child with special needs, I know firsthand the joy and relief that inclusive spaces like this bring to families. Today, we break barriers, create connections, and celebrate a brighter future for everyone.”

Along with Eaton, the ribbon-cutting ceremony will include remarks from Town Manager Bruce Walls and Florence Copper’s General Manager John Mays.

The new ADA-compliant playground equipment features a “Quiet Grove” designed to reduce sensory overload and provide children with a calming space to refocus and relax, the release stated.

“The equipment also introduces exciting new components for kids aged 2-5 and 5-12, including wheelchair-accessible ramps, sensory panels, an ADA swing, roller slides, and increased climbers, activity panels, and ground-level features,” the release continued.

The Town Council approved the $250,000 project as part of its 2024-25 budget. That amount was later supplemented by a $50,000 contribution from Florence Copper.

In addition, an almost $70,000 Community Development Block Grant funded the installation of pour-in-place rubber surfacing around the playgrounds.

Guests attending the celebration will get free hot dogs, hamburgers, chips and water courtesy of Ma's Kitchen, as well as yard games, make-it/take-it crafts, a balloon artist and a selfie station sponsored by Florence Copper.

The event will also feature resource vendors such as Victory Autism Academy, highlighting Florence’s designation as a Certified Autism Center.

For more information on the event, call the Florence Community Services Department at 520-868-7040 or visit https://bit.ly/3Pgxucr.