Jaxon Peebles

Special to the Enquirer

The completion of the John Mark Stallings Special Needs Accessible Playground (SNAP) project at Sparkman Park in Hartselle is approaching.

SNAP is hopeful to have the project completed in the spring of 2015. A playground will be installed that is accessible to children with disabilities. The playground equipment will be installed on rubber padding, which makes it safe for disabled children.

SNAP Fundraising Chairman Jack Templeton said the park will mean a lot to kids with and without disabilities.

“The playground will give kids with disabilities the opportunity to play with kids without disabilities,” said Templeton. “Most parks and playgrounds do not offer that opportunity.”

SNAP has been able to raise a lot of money for the completion of the project. Project Manager Bob Francis said that with the help of corporations, government grants, organizations, individuals, religious affiliations and fundraisers SNAP has been able to raise about $41,000 for the final phase of the project.

They also have assured commitments of pledges throughout the year of more than $128,000, which gives them cash resources of approximately $169,000.

The total cost for the completion of the project is about $230,000. Francis said that SNAP would like to raise an additional $65,000. That would give SNAP the opportunity to have the project completed by the spring of 2015.

“We have had a phenomenal year of fundraising,” Francis said. “We are very appreciative of all of the donations and support from the community.”