If you missed the excitement on the faces of the kids who came to the Grand Opening of the SNAP playground last Friday, you missed a treat. As soon as the ribbon was officially cut and the kids were turned loose inside, the reason behind the project was very easy to see. The number of children on the merry-go-round with big smiles on their faces, and happiness in their hearts was, I am sure, worth all the hard work that was put into this project.

Project manager, Bob Francis, or those of us who have known him for many years, Bobby Carl Francis shared this with me later. There was a little girl five or six years old at the event, and one of the ladies serving snacks asked if she would like a piece of cake. Her answer was, “this is the best day of my life.” This new shiny park that she would be able to enjoy and play in,” had made her day.

All children deserve a playground was a mission statement or slogan that was used by the SNAP committee early in the beginning stages of the almost 10 year long project. The thought was that children with special needs are not able to swing, climb up a slide or get on a regular merry-go-round. The other thought was having a playground where all kids could play together, just as it should be. A child in a wheelchair should not have to sit on the sidelines and watch hisor her friends have fun while they can only dream about playing with their friends.

During a recent event held to raise money for cerebral palsy, the parent of a child with this disease mentioned that all kids are unique. They are all special and all have a need to be kids and have fun. While some may move differently, need help to be mobile or be very dependent on those around them, all kids are special in their own way and all want to be loved, have fun and be able to play.

Gene Stallings mentioned during his talk Friday of how his life was enriched because he was able to raise a child with Downs’ Syndrome. While I cannot begin to understand where he was coming from, I would say most parents of a special needs child feel the same way. While we do not understand why some children are unique and require more love, they are all precious not only to their parents but to their creator as well.

Governor Robert Bentley mentioned helping those who might not be able to help themselves during Friday’s celebration. The SNAP committee and all of those who worked on this project went above and beyond the call of duty when they held on during the almost decade long project. Their dedication is to be commended and honored, and most of us could take a lesson from this group of fine folks and their leader.

The playground will be there for years to come and many hundreds of children will be able to enjoy the fruits of the labor of those who worked tirelessly to bring the project to completion. Those who donated funds, time, materials and other means necessary to get this project finished are recorded on a board just inside the entrance to the playground. There are many, many names and all are important, from the largest to the smallest contributor. Just as Bob Francis mentioned Friday, “the music would be sour without all the members of the orchestra contributing,” so the project could not be completed without all who were a part. Now kids, go forth and play.

Randy Garrison is the president and publisher of the Hartselle Enquirer.