Have you ever been to a library where the staff invited you to run around and make some noise? When the Jackson Parish Library Board adopted the plans of a new interactive park and play area at the Jonesboro Branch on Monday during their regularly scheduled monthly meeting that is exactly what young patrons will be allowed to do.
Welcome to the Jackson Parish Library of the 21st Century!
The amenities you are able to make use of is a far cry from what past generations had at their disposal. This is due to the vision and creativity of the directors, managers and staff at both the Jonesboro and Chatham branches which has elevated the experience of visiting a library to a whole new level.
Jackson Parish residents not only have the ability to make use of a plethora of written resources but also modern day technology and creative activities that is second to none in the state. This “out of the box” thinking has now taken your enjoyment ability completely “out of the building.”
Making use of the grassy area on the south and west end of building, the new interactive park and play area will soon feature a place where children of all ages, including those with special needs, will have a fun, safe and secure place to enjoy. The park will be open seven days a week from daylight to dusk and will be free for the public to use.
Surrounded by a concrete retainer wall that will have a four foot tall chain link fence along the top the park will offer four seperate activity areas all designed to give patrons the ability to enjoy the outdoors, expand their motor skills and have a place the family can come and enjoy without breaking the bank.
“What is awesome about this is it doesn’t exclude any child but includes the ability for all kids to enjoy it, including those with special needs,” said Jonesboro Branch Manager Angela Walsworth, who has been the driving force in seeing vision become a reality. “It also gives parents an option to take their kids to a fun place that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. This will be free to our patrons and as a mother, I know how hard it is today to find a fun and safe place like that.”
The park amenities will include:
(1) Concerto Group Area: For those who like to make music there will be congo drums, cabasas, chimes, vibes and a xylophone.
(2) Activity Area: This includes a sensory zig zag path, sp;inatorium, momentum corridor, dynamic lab, odessy wall, tranquility corner and grand gallery. Each is designed to include the ability for children with special needs to use and incorporates feel and touch activities as well as use of moter skills.
(3) Happy to Chat Area: Borrowing from an idea that flourished in Europe during the Coronavirus Pandemic, when sitting in this area you are inviting other to come an share in conversation.
To see the actual activity area modules click here.
The meeting began with board members Judy Cooper, Ann Standley, Lisa Nunn, Vicki Jenkins, Carol Massey and JPL Director Floyd Knox welcoming new board member Robin Tew. The group then authorized Director Knox to request the Police Jury to give their approval for library park and play area
and, if approved, begin the advertising for bids process. It was also agreed to advertise for sponsorships of benches and bricks in the park. In final action the board agreed to adopt and investment policy for the Library. The next regulalry scheduled meeting is set for Monday, July 18th.
Interactive playground and park plans submitted by Architect W.L. Coco of Coco & Company
