Putnam County launching the Healthy Steps community park to revitalize the Jere Whitson area with child-focused movement and learning stations.
Putnam County Health Department Public Health Director Lisa Bumbalough said the park design aims to check all the boxes for family-oriented physical activity while reinforcing educational concepts.
“The project’s been on our minds for some time now,” Bumbalough said, “And we’ve heard through so many community members, stakeholders at our health council meetings that the community, the families want an additional safe, accessible space for outdoor recreation for the whole family.”
Bumbalough said the planned stations include alphabet movement challenges, balance beam activities, and stretching zones. The facility will also feature interactive educational elements designed to promote cognitive development alongside active play as well as opportunities for adults, too.
“We also wanted to offer adult stations and a walking path for physical activity so the parents can also enjoy being active while they’re watching their children play as well,” Bumbalough said. “So really, that’s what makes this project unique is we wanted to look at that concept not just being about a playground but a place where the whole family can be active together.”
Bumbalough said the county was awarded $150,000 in grant funding for the project. UCDD will assist with project oversight, reporting, and tracking.
“As a public health director, I see it as an investment in the health of our community because as a parent, you see it as more personal, but as a community, we look at building resiliency in our community and when we invest in parks, we’re not just building playgrounds, we’re creating healthier communities, stronger families and opportunities for those people to thrive in the community,” Bumbalough said.
Bumbalough said the Putnam County Parks and Recreation Department is spearheading the project and waiting for specific guidance on the next steps. While winter weather presents potential barriers to construction, officials hope to have the park ready for residents by late spring.
