ATHENS-Two City of Athens parks will receive a specialized swing that provides additional body support for children who need assistance sitting upright.
The Mayor’s Office applied for a community grant through the Limestone County Legislative Delegation Office, and Sen. Tim Melson responded that he “would be glad to support the project.”
Melson approved a $7,829.36 community grant to purchase two GameTime Zero-G Chair swings. Athens Parks and Recreation Director Bert Bradford said one swing is for Big Spring Memorial Park and one swing is for Jimmy Gill Park that the city is relocating to a new site.
“We appreciate Sen. Melson recognizing the importance of providing these swings in our 
community,” Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks said. “We did one expansion at the All Kids Dugout to add more inclusive equipment, and we have other phases planned there because it is the most popular playground, but we also want to offer inclusive equipment at our other parks.”
Marks said his office and the Parks and Recreation Department would continue to look for opportunities to add specialized playground equipment.
The community grant from Sen. Melson funds the cost of the chair swings, frames, shipping and installation. Parks and Recreation will coordinate with GameTime on ordering and installing the swings.
