Community News

The town of Mills River broke ground last week on a new playground accessible to children of all abilities at Mills River Park. Thanks to a $263,000 Accessibility for Parks Grant, the project will bring exciting new features to the park.

The updated playground will feature a hillside slide, a spinner, climbers, a musical garden, story walk and an accessible pathway connecting the park to Town Hall and the library. These additions are designed to offer children with a variety of abilities the chance to play together in a safe, welcoming environment.

"We're very proud of this new playground addition," said Nicole Sweat, director of Parks and Recreation. "It’s more than just a fun space—it’s a place where every child, regardless of ability, can play, explore and connect. We’re excited to see families enjoying this expanded space together."

While construction is underway, the existing playground will remain open as much as possible; however, there may be occasional closures or disruptions for safety reasons. The town appreciates the community's patience as the project moves forward. For the most updated information on closures, visit www.millsriver.org or follow the Mills River Parks and Recreation social media sites.

"This playground expansion is our first step in making our park more inclusive," said Mayor Shanon Gonce. "Thanks to the Accessibility for Parks Grant, we’re creating a space that welcomes everyone. We’re excited to continue this inclusive approach as we look forward to the future development on the recently purchased land next to Mills River Park."

Construction is set to be completed by April, with a grand opening to follow soon after.