Special to the Herald

GUYTON – A large, enthusiastic group of children, parents, and grandparents turned out for the grand opening of the renovated playground at Sand Hill Ball Park on May 13. The project is part of Effingham County’s ongoing efforts to improve recreational spaces for its residents. Thanks to SPLOST (Special-Purpose Local-Option Sales Tax), Effingham County will continue to see improvements to all of its parks and recreation facilities. The new Sand Hill playground had a price tag of just under $350,000, according to a county spokesperson. Some of the new structures are designed for children with special needs, and the smooth rubber surface is wheelchair accessible.

As soon as District 1 Commissioner Forrest Floyd cut the ribbon during a brief ceremony that included District 3 Commissioner Jamie DeLoach and Board Chairman Damon Rahn, the children charged toward a variety of new structures built by Newnan-based PlaySouth Playground Creators. Designed for ages 2-12, the equipment is positioned on 3,300 square feet of rubber surfacing, some of it covered by shade structures.

The crowd was treated to free Kona Ice, snacks, bubbles and a chance to inspect a pair of Effingham County Fire Rescue vehicles. In addition, copies of the latest issue of Penny and the Code Toad, a colorful children’s book that breaks common code violations into their simplest terms, were also available for the taking.