ENTERPRISE: From the City of Enterprise.
Dozens of children gathered at Johnny Henderson Family Park on Thursday afternoon, eagerly awaiting the moment they could finally hear two simple words: “Go play!”
That moment came as the City of Enterprise, Ala. celebrated the grand opening of the park’s new playground, welcoming families back to one of the community’s most popular recreational spaces. As soon as the ribbon-cutting ceremony concluded, children hurried to explore the new equipment, racing toward slides, climbing structures, swings and other features.
Parents also had an opportunity to experience the improvements firsthand, including designated play areas for different age groups, expanded opportunities for active play and shade structures designed to make visits more comfortable for families.
The approximately 9,520-square-foot playground replaces the park’s former equipment with a larger, more modern and inclusive play space designed to serve Enterprise families for years to come.
“Today, we’re building for the future, with a space designed to welcome children of different ages and abilities and give more families the opportunity to enjoy time together,” Mayor William E. Cooper Sr. said during the ceremony.
The new playground features separate play areas for toddlers and older children, along with swings, slides, climbing structures, tunnels and musical play elements. Accessibility was a priority throughout the design, which incorporates accessible pathways, ramps and inclusive play features intended to help children of varying abilities play together.
The design goes beyond minimum accessibility standards established by the Americans with Disabilities Act, including a play structure designed for children who use wheelchairs. A dedicated toddler area accommodates children ages 12 to 24 months, while a larger tower structure offers additional opportunities for older children to explore and challenge themselves.
Shade structures and durable turf surfacing also contribute to a more comfortable play environment, while interactive features encourage physical activity, creativity and social interaction.
For Cooper, the playground represents more than a recreational upgrade. Drawing on his more than 40 years in education, he reflected on the joy of childhood and the importance of creating opportunities for families to spend meaningful time together.
“As a band director, I’ve heard my share of noise over the years,” Cooper said. “I’ve heard trumpets, drums, and plenty of instruments playing all at once! But there is another sound that I don’t think anything can quite compare to. That’s the sound of a child’s laughter.”
Cooper shared his hope that the playground would become a place where families could step away from the busyness of everyday life, enjoy time together and create memories that last for generations.
“Some of the children I worked with years ago are now raising children of their own,” he said. “And I hope those families will bring their children here to play, laugh and make memories of their own.”
Blake Moore, Director of Community Services and Recreation, welcomed attendees and recognized the Enterprise City Council for supporting the project, along with the City employees whose work helped bring it to completion.
The City’s Public Works and Enterprise Parks and Recreation teams played an important role in preparing the site and completing improvements. Street Department and Sewer Department crews assisted with removing the former playground equipment and preparing the area for construction. The Parks and Recreation team also contributed to site preparation, installed irrigation and sod, and helped ready the grounds for the opening.
By completing portions of the work in-house, City employees helped control project costs while demonstrating the value of collaboration among City departments.
Moore thanked the employees who contributed to the project and recognized the Enterprise Rotary Club for its continued commitment to community service and support for Enterprise Parks and Recreation programs.
Rotarians regularly volunteer at community events, including Spooky in the Park on Friday, Oct. 30, and Festival in the Park in the spring. Proceeds from these events are reinvested in the community, including support for local parks and recreation programs.
Pastor Matt Jordan of First Methodist Church Enterprise, AL., who is also a member of the Enterprise Rotary Club, offered the blessing over the new playground and the families who will enjoy it. Reflecting on Rotary’s guiding principle of Service Above Self, Jordan’s prayer underscored the importance of serving others and creating opportunities that strengthen the community.
The City’s commitment to providing an updated, inclusive play space for Enterprise families reflects that same spirit of service. With the support of Mayor Cooper and the Enterprise City Council, along with the work of City employees, the playground represents a lasting investment in the children and families who call Enterprise home.
Representatives from GameTime, the company behind the new playground, also attended the ceremony. Drew Warren shared information about the design and accessibility features that make the playground a welcoming space for children of different ages and abilities.
The playground improvements were funded through the City’s Fiscal Year 2026 Capital Improvement Program as part of Enterprise’s continued investment in parks, recreation and community amenities. The playground and adjacent splash pad closed in August to accommodate construction and protect the safety of park visitors and crews. Although the splash pad was not part of the playground replacement, its proximity to the construction area required a temporary closure for the remainder of the 2026 season. It is expected to reopen in spring 2027.
With the new playground now open, the City welcomes residents and visitors to enjoy the expanded play space at Johnny Henderson Family Park.
For Cooper, the best measure of the project’s success will not be found in the playground’s size or equipment, but in the joy it brings to the children and families who use it.
“Sometimes, I think we adults need to take a lesson from children,” he said. “To slow down, let go of our worries for a little while, and remember what it feels like to be carefree. To run, to play, to laugh, and to find joy in the simplest things.”
As dozens of children demonstrated on opening day, that joy is already taking hold.
“May this playground always be filled with that kind of joy. May it be a place where children grow, families come together, and wonderful memories are made for years to come.”
