Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for the All-Inclusive Playground at Sunnyside Park

On November 6, 2026, the Town of Franklin held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to open a new inclusive playground at the Whitmire property. Interim Town Manager Sarah Bishop opened the formal program, thanking attendees for their patience and noting the excitement of seeing children already on the equipment. She introduced Public Works Director Bill Deal, who credited the public works and street crews for their extensive work on the site and thanked the Franklin Police Department for providing security and surveillance throughout construction. He also acknowledged the town council and management before turning the program back over.

Mayor Guffey then delivered the main remarks. He thanked former Mayor Jack Horton, under whose leadership the project began; former Town Manager Amy Owens, who oversaw planning, funding, and the start of construction; and current administrative staff, including Interim Town Manager and Finance Director Sarah Bishop. He recognized town council members present (Rita Salain, Joe Collins, Jeff Berry, and Robbie Tompa).

Mayor Guffey highlighted that the project originated from community advocacy—particularly efforts by residents such as Kathy Peek—who brought the need for inclusive play space to the council’s attention. He specifically thanked the public works crew by name and the Franklin Police Department for protecting the site during construction. He emphasized that the playground creates opportunity for children who previously lacked accessible play options, with expected regional use from communities across western North Carolina. He described it as a place for play, friendship, family bonding, and community-building, and as a reflection of the town’s commitment to children and families. The program concluded with the ribbon-cutting, after which the playground was opened for children to use.