It is perhaps the most iconic park in Spartanburg, a once vibrant public space where generations of our community's parents have brought children to play and enjoy one of the city's most picturesque scenes. For many, Cleveland Park is a place awash in happy memories of sunshine-filled childhood days. Punctuated by the charming pond spilling itself gently into a stream that burbles through the large open space where the old playground once buzzed with youthful laughter, Cleveland Park long ago earned its place as a defining part of the Spartanburg community.
Now, four years after a tragic miniature train accident cast a shadow over this once joyous space, the Spartanburg County Parks Department has plans to build a new 12,000 sq ft. playground for Cleveland Park, hoping to bring the community together, both to shape the park's future and to help heal the still-fresh wounds from its recent past. For six days, October 20-25, teams of volunteers (of every skill level) working four hour shifts will build the new playground. In all 2,650 volunteer shifts will be needed to complete the project which will feature nods to Spartanburg County's history and culture such as a peach shed and Revolutionary War mural. The playground will also feature a climbing wall, a water wheel, and a swinging platform.
Today on the podcast, we're talking with Spartanburg County Parks Director of Development and Public Relations, Marcia Murff and Senior Project Manager Mike Nation about the playground build and the future of Cleveland Park.