Saturday May 7th marked the first official Weaver Family Fun Day. The brand-new splashpad and Disc Golf course both reached completion the week prior to the grand opening so the city wanted to celebrate and invite all the enjoy the new features of Elwell Park. The day started off a little chilly and the idea of jumping into the spash pad didn’t seem to appeal to many adults, but the kids had a very different idea! When we spoke to Mayor Willis he said, “This is an exciting day for Weaver. A splash pad for kids in the park has been a project I started planning when I took office, but other City priorities always seemed to put a splash pad on the back burner. I’m excited now to actually see kids enjoying it. I actually think I’m as excited about the opening as the kids.”
Councilman Tim McRae got to put his first responder duties to the test when a young girl couldn’t find her mother. It turned out to be a nonissue and the
two were quickly reunited and the fun continued. Once that situation was resolved Councilman McRae noted, “I’m so excited about the opening for the splash pad and disc golf. This will be a great addition to the park for kids and adults alike.”
Councilmember Cathy Hamby said “We are very excited about bringing another park amenity to our city. Along with the splash pad and new disc golf course it’s a great way to bring our community together. It’s all about having a place families can meet their neighbors and having a family destination.” To launch the new features there was an official grand opening starting at 11:00 am the event started with the official opening of both new areas. City Council Members and the Mayor Wayne Willis greeted all and then turned the water on. While children played on the splashpad the disc golf tournament also began. There were roughly 50 participants in the tournament and every one received a Weaver disc as well as other prizes.
The disc golf course was certainly a draw bringing players from as for as Tennessee to play on the course that was designed by Lavone Wolfe. Any course designed by Mr. Wolfe is considered a premier course. Players ranged from expert to newbies just wanting to learn. One thing was certain, fun was had by all who participated. When we spoke to Mayor Pro-Tem Jeff Clendenning he stated “I would like to thank everyone that came out to Weaver Park today and made the grand opening of the splash pad and disc golf course a huge success. Weaver is fortunate to have these and I look forward to seeing them get used all summer. Thanks to all of the City Council for making this happen. “
Councilman Nick Bowles said, “I’m glad that years of searching for funding has finally paid off and the citizens and visitors to Weaver will have the two new additions to an already great park!” These newest additions join the basketball court, playgrounds, skate park, tennis court, dog park, and walking trail. During the course of the day there were well over 200 people that came by and enjoyed the park. They also ate food provided by Chef T’s food truck and snow cones courtesy of Kona Ice. There were also games and a bounce house donated for the day by Howell Entertainment, LLC. The owner, Terry Howell, got a stern talking to when he was preparing to take down the inflatable. At least one Weaver resident thinks it should be a permanent fixture!
Councilman Clint Burns was unable to attending the ceremony, but came by later in they day and added, “I think the splash pad is going to be great for our city! I know my kids are excited about it! It will be a great addition to our park. Awesome job by everyone involved in this process.”
All in all the day seemed to be a great success and truly a place for all ages. This was shown from some of the youngest being one year old to an 80 year old gentlemen who made some new friends that taught him the ends and out of disc golf. Who know maybe he will become a regular player! If you didn’t have a chance to come out yesterday the city council would highly encourage you to stop by the Weaver City Park and enjoy the many free features.
