Harley Bridges is excited that he was able to get Coach Gene Stallings to autograph his Alabama hat during Stallings visit for the Grand Opening of the SNAP Playground. | Randy Garrison

Randy Garrison

Hartselle Enquirer

During the Special Needs Accessible Playground (SNAP) Grand Opening and ribbon cutting held Fri., May 6, a little girl six or seven years old remarked that this was “the best day of her life.” The smiles on the children’s faces as they climbed on the equipment, went round and round on the merry go round, and just looked at a playground designed for their needs was worth the effort and cost of the project. Bob Francis, the project coordinator, for the 9½-year project said the faces of the children in attendance are what inspired him to do what he has done. “It has been a pleasure to serve as the orchestra leader.” Francis explained that just as in a musical orchestra, if all do not play their part the music turns sour, all the volunteers and those involved with SNAP played their part and he was inspired to do the same.

The event was attended by hundreds of children with special needs from all of Morgan County. Students from Hartselle, Morgan County and Decatur City Schools were in attendance for the event. The children were entertained prior to the event by choral students from Hartselle.

The organizers of the event could not have asked for a better day for the celebration. A bright blue sky full of sunshine, along with a breeze and mild temperatures provided a great backdrop for the outside event.

Judge Glen Thompson served as master of ceremonies for the event. Jerry Smith, former pastor of First Christian Church of Hartselle opened the event with an invocation. Hartselle Mayor Bill Smelser said it was a privilege to introduce Bob Francis to those in attendance. He mentioned how Francis held the project together even over a long period of time.

County Commission Chairman Ray Long also thanked Francis for his work and mentioned this project was something special. He also thanked County Commissioner Randy Vest, District 2 and Don Stisher, District 3 for the work they did with the project.

Former Alabama Head Coach Gene Stallings said he had been coming to Hartselle for over 60 years during his talk at the celebration. He also mentioned his life would not have been as rich had he not raised a Down’s

Syndrome child. Stallings said he could not thank enough those who worked for special needs children. “A little bit of kindness to a special needs child is in the category of a big deal,” Stallings remarked. “This is a big deal. “

Stallings used the quote “life is not about waiting until the storm passes by, but about dancing in the rain.”

State Senator Arthur Orr talked about the number of people who came together to make this project happen. He also read and presented Francis with a Legislative Proclamation in honor of the work he has done for SNAP.

Orr then introduced Alabama governor, Robert Bentley to those in attendance. Bentley remarked that the boys and girls have something important to give and they can believe they are worth the effort. He also mentioned that we have a responsibility to help those who can’t help themselves, Bentley said, “The people of Hartselle help people.” He also mentioned he was glad the children have a new playground.

Judge Thompson also presented Bentley with a plaque honoring the State of Alabama’s contribution to the SNAP project.

After the speeches everyone moved to the entrance to the playground, with the children leading the way.  Governor Bentley cut the ceremonial ribbon making the project officially open. Pieces of the ribbon were given to the many of the children who attended the event.

Once inside, the kids did what all kids do on a playground, they climbed, slid down the slide, rode the merry-go-round and had fun.  Just as the in the beginning when SNAP first began, the slogan is now true, “every child deserves a playground” and now those with special abilities can play alongside their friends and all can come together and have fun. After all, that is what being a kid is about, having fun. Thanks to Bob Francis and all those who worked tirelessly to make this a reality.