SNAP lands state grant

By By Leada Gore, Hartselle Enquirer
A state grant is making a big splash at Hartselle’s Special Needs Accessible Playground.
ADECA has awarded $45,000 to SNAP. The money will be used to build a 2,000 square foot splash pad with 21 water play stations at the John Mark Stallings playground at Sparkman Park. Hartselle is one of 10 communities receiving the ADECA funds.
The money comes from the state’s Land and Water Conservation program.
According to Mayor Dwight Tankersley, the money is a direct result of a visit earlier this year from ADECA Director Bill Johnson. Johnson was brought to town by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, to meet with city officials about the proposed senior center.
The SNAP plan has been years in the making, with numerous community organizations working to raise money for its construction. The playground, named for the late son of former University of Alabama Coach Gene Stallings, offers special-needs children an accessible and stimulating place to play.
Officials hope additional grant money will help pay for the completion of the splash pad, one of the playground’s main attractions. It will feature water spouts and an accesible play area.
Orr said he’s happy to see the playground receive the grant and should allow for it to be complete before summer.