The city of Marathon will hold a grand opening of the Marathon Rotary Park playground on Saturday, Aug. 20 at 10 a.m. Marathon families are encouraged to attend the festivities to include a ribbon cutting, drinks, cake and more.
The new playground was built by hundreds of local volunteers and city employees in late June. The intricate design features multiple slides, almost a dozen swings (including some for toddlers and some with a handicap accessibility design), climbing apparatus, towers, turrets and monkey bars. And, park goers are greeted by an in-ground merry go round unlike any other in the Florida Keys.
“I am so pleased that the city of Marathon continues to provide for families and children,” said City Manager George Garrett. “The park itself is beautiful but, more importantly, perhaps, it demonstrates the city’s commitment to locals and the locals’ involvement in the community they live in.”
The city continues to offer locals a way to show their support for the new playground. At the event on Aug. 20, families can purchase fence pickets inscribed with their name or a short message for $50 each. The donation helps to offset the cost of the new playground. The city paid just over $500,000 for the equipment, design and installation leadership from Play By Design, a New York State-based company that specializes in community builds. The city is expecting a high turnout for the event. The public will gather on the west side of the park, located between 75th and 76th Streets on the oceanside, for opening remarks before the ribbon cutting. Attendees are encouraged to carpool, walk or ride a bike to the park. If driving, please park with consideration.
Marathon Rotary Park recently underwent a huge playground renovation with the help of community volunteers in late June. The grand opening is set for Saturday, Aug. 20 at 10 a.m. and the community is invited to attend the festivities. CITY OF MARATHON/Contributed
