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Liz Cooper 
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(WINGATE, N.C. - May 7, 2025) -- Union County Parks and Recreation will celebrate the opening of a new playground at Jesse Helms Park - a farm-themed adventure designed to spark imaginative play for children of all ages and abilities. Created and installed by Cunningham Recreation, the playground features innovative equipment from GameTime that brings the farm-inspired theme to life.

“This playground is a fantastic addition to Union County’s parks, providing a space where children of all abilities can explore, play and grow,” said Jim Chaffin, Union County Parks and Recreation Director. “We’re proud to offer families a space that blends farm-inspired fun with adventure while fostering inclusion and meaningful connections across generations.”

The playground includes two themed play structures. The 5-12 age area features a barn and silo-inspired design filled with interactive elements and physical challenges, while the 2-5 age area includes a smaller barn and tractor play set with corn stalk climbers tailored for younger children.

“The multi-generational playground at Jesse Helms Park was thoughtfully designed to reflect the legacy of the old farmlands it now occupies—creating a space that fosters connection, activity, and shared experiences across all ages, while honoring the land’s rich agricultural history and its role in bringing communities together,” said John Cunningham, Certified Playground Safety Inspector and Sales Associate with Cunningham Recreation. “It has been a pleasure partnering with Union County in bringing this destination park to life! It will serve the community well for years to come.”

Children may enjoy climbing on freestanding net structures like the Vista Twist Tower and Arc Sphere, and spinning on the Vista TreeTop. The space also features an outdoor musical play area with shaded seating, a freestanding track ride, and a farm-style swing system that includes traditional, adaptive, and GameTime Expression Swing™ seats.

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