The Town of Walnut’s Kids Town, which began 11 months ago as an idea, is finally a reality—a small-town park where youngsters can have fun and be safe.

The park came to life during a five-day construction period, as volunteer crews worked in shifts to complete it in time for a Sunday grand opening earlier this month.

Following opening ceremonies, hundreds of youngsters along with their parents got their first use of Kids Town, which is similar to Kidz World in Ripley and located next to the Walnut Pool.

There’s a lot of credit to spread around for this park. When Mayor Vicki Skinner took office in July, 2009, this was one of the first grants she started on. Jack Griffith wrote the grant that brought the bulk of the funding. Aldermen signed off on the project. Volunteer firefighters held fundraisers. Private citizens dug deep in their own pockets for donations. And five days of volunteer labor by youngsters and adults alike finally made the park a reality.

Construction is not complete; there are plans to add two bathrooms, an additional pavilion and a walking track.

Construction of the park is being financed by a combination of a $100,000 CDBG self-help grant through the State of Mississippi, and donations from area citizens. About $50,000 will be needed beyond the grant to complete the project. At least half of that amount can be in-kind funds—donations and volunteer labor. Those wishing to make a donation toward construction of the park can do so into the special account at the Peoples Bank—c/0 Walnut Playground P. O. Box 38 Walnut, MS 38663.

For a concrete example of what a town can do when it comes together, look no further than Kids Park.