At 12Oaks Parking, we believe in fostering community engagement and accessibility for all. That’s why Jeremy and I, as part of the 12Oaks Leadership team, are thrilled to share the exciting news about the new Wacky World playground, a project close to our hearts and vital to our community.
On March 28, children, parents, and staff gathered at Alpharetta Elementary School to catch the first glimpse of the initial playground design for Wills Park’s beloved Wacky World. Originally constructed in 1997 by over 2,600 volunteers in just six days, the 1-acre playground will soon be replaced by a modern, fully accessible structure designed with inclusivity and creativity at its core.
A Playground Designed by Kids, for Kids
The new playground, covering approximately 18,000 square feet, features imaginative elements inspired directly by the children’s submissions. Highlights include a dragon tower, an obstacle course, a wheelchair-accessible merry-go-round, a pirate ship, and a zipline. These features ensure that children of all abilities can enjoy the playground together, fostering a sense of unity and fun.
Building a Legacy Together
Project Manager Laura Sehn from Play by Design shared the enthusiasm and vision of the children: “They have fantastic ideas. They thought of things not only for themselves but also for other kids who are younger or who maybe have mobility problems, so everyone can play together.”
The next steps in this ambitious project involve securing volunteers and materials, returning to Alpharetta for a second visit, and finally, the grand opening celebration. This playground rebuild is not just a testament to community spirit but also a continuation of a legacy that will serve future generations.
Community Effort and Support
Recreation Commissioner and Wacky World Committee Member Jeremy Scott highlighted the importance of community involvement. While the project’s initial funding came from the city’s bond referendum, the completion of the playground relies heavily on donations and volunteer efforts.
“What we have is a tremendous opportunity as a community to come together once again into a community build where we can bring together volunteers and build another iconic playground that generations, including the children in here and probably their children, will be able to enjoy for another quarter-century to come,” Scott said.
Commitment to Inclusive Fun
City officials, including Recreation and Parks Director Morgan Rodgers and City Councilman John Hipes, emphasized the city’s dedication to creating safe and enjoyable outdoor spaces for all children. By involving the community in the design process, Alpharetta ensures that the new Wacky World playground will be a place of joy and inclusivity.
Rodgers noted, “By involving our community in the design process, we’re making sure that this playground meets the needs and interests of children and provides for a great degree of ‘funability’ at the new and improved Wacky World.”
Get Involved
We at 12Oaks Parking encourage everyone in our community to get involved in this wonderful project. Whether through volunteering your time or making a donation, your contribution can help create a magical and inclusive play space for all children.
For more information on how to donate or volunteer for the Wacky World project, please visit wackyworld.org.
Together, we can build a playground that every child, regardless of ability, can enjoy. Let’s come together as a community and make this dream a reality!