We’re getting closer and closer to Unity Park’s opening on Thurs., May 19 and Angie Prosser, Greenville’s Director of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism, gave us a sneak peek of the progress.

We spent some extra time at the playground areas, and we can honestly say that we’ve never seen playgrounds like these.

For smaller tots (2-5 years old)

The Donovan Playground, aka the Tot Lot, features playground classics like swings, slides + teeter-totters, but it’s the sensory area that truly sets this space apart. The giant musical instruments are sure to be a hit with local kiddos (and among musically-inclined adults too). The terrain is made of poured rubber and astroturf, and there are benches for mom and dad to keep a close eye on the fun.

The sensory area features a xylophone, drums + chimes. | Photo via GVLtoday

For the big kids (5+ years old)

The TD SYNNEX Playground’s design is based on the Upstate’s natural landscape. While it features classics like slides (which all have different depths and slopes) and swings, there’s an abundance of hills, stone stairs + structures to climb. The stairs lead to wooden towers with views overlooking Unity Park’s sprawling greens.

For kids of all ages to cool off

The Greenville Water Splash Pad is another sure-to-be hit on hot summer days. There are 39 jets lining two separate walkways, one for the tots and one for the big kids. What’s the difference? How high the jets go. For the bigger kids, the jets have the potential to hit six feet. The water is all recycled (think: like a swimming pool). It circulates, gets cleaned + and comes back through the jets to start the cycle all over again. While the jets weren't turned on for our sneak peek, the City of Greenville shared a clip of the Greenville Water Splash Pad in action.

For the grown ups

We also got a peek inside the 10,000-sqft Prisma Health Welcome Center, located next to The Commons. The space includes a self-service first aid station, a lactation room + plenty of space for community meetings, events, and gatherings. The wraparound porch will house rocking chairs overlooking Unity Park and the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail. Prisma Health will also host educational programs in the space.

The event space holds up to 300 people and even has a warming kitchen for caterers to use.

via GIPHY
These projects are all part of Phase One of Unity Park. Phase Two will include the development of Mayberry Field at the old Mayberry Park site.

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