Carolina Forest students dreaming of giant playground

Hundreds of students at both Ocean Bay and Carolina Forest Elementary School expressed many different ideas for what’s going to be the biggest playground in Horry County says Parks Director, Brent Taylor.  Right now, Taylor says they are looking at two different sites; one that’s around 120 acres on International Drive and another area of about 30 acres of land on Carolina Forest Boulevard.  He also says it will be part of a larger project that will include a Carolina Forest Recreation Center.

Desiner, Dennis Wille from Ithaca, NY compiled ideas that ranged from traditional playground sites such as a tire swing or slides, all the way to creative ideas such as a miniture roller coaster and a multi-level maze.  The designer on the project says he will incorporate all of those ideas and more into his plans. 

The project is primarily funded through a $300,000 grant from Sen. Luke Rankin’s office, and Taylor says the remaining money needed will come through fundraisers.  Park officials say they expect to be complete sometime in Spring and just take six days to complete with lots of volunteer help in the Carolina Forest community.  They also say it will be big enough for 300 to 400 children to play at one time. 

There is a public meeting at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 23 at the Carolina Forest Community Church.  The final sketches from the students ideas will be revealed and organizers are looking to recruit lots of people from around the community. 

For more information on how to get involved you can contact the Rowe Professional Services Company at (843) 444-1020.