Ewing Park updates deliver a more natural setting for visitors.
Palm, oak, maple and gum trees provide shade as residents meander along a paved path. The new, wider path makes it possible for people to walk side by side.
“The sidewalk is great because it used to be really bad,” said Ashley Hinds.
She visits the park a couple times per month with her children. “The new playground is really nice,” she added.
Just to the left of the park’s entrance, a new apparatus with three slides and shade sails awaits children.
Farther down the path on the right, another piece of new playground equipment has two slides, ladders and logs to step onto to access the landings. Both pieces of equipment total approximately $45,000 in value, said Park and Recreation Commissioner Kathy Smith. Funds derived from a Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program grant.
A large climbing rock nearby adds to the natural surroundings while a bench sits ready to accommodate visitors. Wood bridges fill gaps for easier strides while four small pavilions and two larger ones equipped with picnic tables are dotted throughout the park. Barbecue grills are also available.
“I think it’s a beautiful park,” Smith said. Ewing Park’s beautification has been a work in progress for about 10 years, with older pieces removed to make way for newer equipment.
Smith has been working toward an end goal of providing an inviting outdoor space through her collaboration with Councilwoman Janet Shaw. She and the former park and recreation commissioner have a shared vision for the park. Town Manager Mike Williams and the town employees combine their efforts as well.
“We’re trying to keep the park more natural, like nature,” Smith said.
Shaw said the park has evolved over the years.
“In the beginning there was nothing,” she said. “There were not many things – there was that one piece of equipment – that red, white and blue piece and the small pavilions that are still there. Through the years and with the help of grants and donations, we’ve had trees donated – I mean, they’ve brought in beautiful trees that have really made the park grounds more lush.”
As part of the recent upgrades, new basketball backboards and nets replace old equipment. Future plans include upgrades to the tennis courts. The area will either be rehabbed or replaced.
“There’s a few people who still play tennis who would like to see upgrades,” Smith said.
Their plans to provide an updated park have been met with resistance throughout the park’s history. Vandals have wreaked havoc repeatedly on pavilions, restrooms and the tennis and basketball courts. Each incident causes a financial loss for the town as park funds were utilized for repairs instead of enhancements.
“The park could be so nice if the youth could give us a hand and keep it free of vandalism,” Shaw said.