Madison children will have a new playground option this spring.
Last week, Madison County Supervisors authorized a contract with Sparks at Play for the construction of the new accessible playground as part of the ongoing Hoover Ridge Outdoor Recreation Center project. According to a news release from Madison County Parks and Recreation (MCPR), the new playground will be a fully inclusive play space designed to provide opportunities for children of all abilities to play together. Equipment will include a zip line with assisted seating bay, an accessible merry-go-round, musical play equipment, a large play structure with a transfer station and belted access point and swing with a transfer point. The play area will have rubber surfacing for safety and to encourage imaginative play.
“This playground will be a place where every child can participate and feel included,” MCPR Recreation Coordinator Lindsay Von Herbulis said. “It’s an exciting step forward for our community and aligns with our goal of making Hoover Ridge a destination for families of all kinds.”
The $714,657.49 playground contract is being funded using a portion of a grant from the Walton and Ada Thompson Charitable Foundation. Walton and Ada Thompson relocated to Madison County in the 1970s and supported the community through donations to the rescue squad and other local organizations. The foundation continues their work.
The playground is anticipated to open in spring 2026. Von Herbulis said the equipment will likely arrive in January and be installed at that time, with the surfacing done in March when temperatures allow for it. It’s also possible the center’s splash pad may be completed later in 2026.
Once completed, the center will occupy approximately six acres of the more than 181-acre park property and include basketball, tennis and pickleball courts, the new playground and splash pad, and a new hockey rink, walking path, shady structures and restrooms.
Much of the site work for the project has been completed, including asphalt for the tennis and pickleball courts, basketball courts and roller hockey rink. Sidewalk construction is ongoing. Earlier this year supervisors awarded a $767,000 contract to William W. Walls Excavating, Inc. for the site work. An approximately $600,000 change order was approved in September adding hardsurfacing to the contract.
“This has been years in the making and it’s finally coming to fruition,” MCPR Director Jerry Carpenter said. “I have to pinch myself like is this really happening.”
Funding is still needed for hockey rink surfacing and dasher boards, as well as nets, basketball goals and furnishings. Additional fundraising is also needed to support lighting, the concession stand and bathrooms, fencing and remaining walkway connections.
The upcoming Waddle Gobble 5K is a fundraiser for the project. Sponsored by Ace Collision Center, the run will be held Nov. 27 at 8 a.m. Hebron Lutheran Church, 899 Blankenbaker Road, Madison. There will be prizes for top age group finishers and complimentary snacks and coffee provided by Cake Krums Cafe for registered Waddle Gobblers. Registration is $25 per adult and $15 for those under 18. Register online at https://www.hooverridge.com/waddlegobble.html.
For more information on the Hoover Ridge Outdoor Recreation Center project, or to donate, contact Madison County Parks and Recreation at (540) 308-1247 or visit https://www.hooverridge.com/hrorc.html.
