New playground in Meridian gets high marks

Published 5:49 pm Friday, March 10, 2017

The new playground at James Chaney Memorial Park in Meridian is getting high marks from children.

The playground, which was dedicated Friday, sits on a stretch of land that runs along Paulding Street between 39th and 40th avenues. It was built a few weeks ago by volunteers from the Boys and Girls Club of Meridian, employees from several city departments, and representatives from many local sororities and fraternities.

Cynetria Thedford was one of several children trying out the slides and other playgroound equipment Friday. She lives in the neighborhood and has been waiting patiently for the playground to open.

“I really love this playground,” she said. “At first it was just a blank, full space.Then, when they put it out here, I was excited to come. I was ready for a long time for it to be out here.”

Her friend Hailey Jordan, 9, agreed.

“I think this playground is great, because at first, there was nothing here,” Jordan said. “But now it’s a big playground – I love it.”

The new playground equipment – slides, a jungle gym, and plenty of things to climb on – was paid for with a grant, with the city contributing matching funds, according to Ward 4 Meridian City Councilwoman Kim Houston, who represents the community where the park is located.

“This park is on the move,” Houston said. “Your child is welcome to come and play – we even have access for children with disabilities, so it’s a park for everybody. We’re super–excited to have something positive in this neighborhood.”

The new playground is part of an ongoing effort to bring the park back to life. A few years ago, it had become overgrown with weeds was essentially a vacant lot. Houston said there are more improvements planned for the area.

James Earl Chaney, the park’s namesake, a Meridian native, was killed in June 1964, along with New Yorkers Michael Schwerner and Andrew Goodman during Freedom Summer, a drive to register African-Americans to vote.