MAY 2, 2023 – The Town of Knightdale will host the grand opening of its new state-of-the-art inclusive playground at Harper Park, located at 207 Main Street in Knightdale, on Sunday, May 7, at 2:00 pm.
The event will showcase select Carolina Parks and Play equipment as well as the universally designed, sensory-rich play environment that will enable children to develop physically, socially and emotionally. Overseen by designer CLH Design, P.A., and Jackson Builders construction, the playground will welcome individuals and communities of all abilities to engage, learn, play and grow together. It will also be a multi-generational gathering space in Knightdale for the community to enjoy.
“Building community is at the heart of all we do in Knightdale,” said Jessica Day, Mayor of Knightdale, “and our new inclusive playground will be another extension of that. We will use the new equipment to celebrate and foster diversity, acceptance, and friendship with all Knightdale citizens and visitors for years to come.”
The inclusive playground was made possible by generous donations from Wake Stone Corporation. John Bratton started Wake Stone during the administration of Knightdale’s longest-serving mayor, Eugene Harper. Harper was instrumental in supporting Bratton who was a 48-year-old entrepreneur. This support and friendship lead to the start of Knightdale’s oldest corporate citizen, Wake Stone Corporation. Wake Stone, a leader in aggregate products in North and South Carolina, donated $229,650 to the inclusive playground. The company’s donation directly benefitted both the pour-and-play footprint and equipment for the project. Event attendees will include Sam Bratton, President and CEO of Wake Stone Corporation, as well as other members of the Bratton family.
“This playground speaks to the Knightdale community’s desire for inclusion and caring for all. We know Mr. Bratton would be proud to have his name associated with such a worthwhile project,” said Sam Bratton, President and CEO of Wake Stone Corporation.
For more information about the inclusive playground grand opening event, please contact Knightdale Parks, Recreation and Cultural Programs Director, Chris Wiley, at chris.wiley@knightdalenc.gov.
####
About Knightdale, NC
Knightdale is a town located in eastern Wake County, North Carolina, with a growing population of approximately 20,000 citizens. It has been named a Top 100 Best Places to Live in the US by Money Magazine and Top 10 Fastest Growing Communities in North Carolina. For more information, visit www.knightdalenc.gov