Ribbon Cutting - Larry May Park Playground Dedication

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The new playground at Larry May Park will be dedicated Monday, Oct. 16, at 5:30 p.m.
The cost of the playground, $87,932.33, was funded with help from the Rolla Junior Club, whose members raised $25,500 of that amount. The bulk of the purchase, approved by the Rolla City Council, came from Prop P funds, thanks to the generous support of the citizens of Rolla.
“We are very thankful to the Junior Club, to the citizens of Rolla, the Rolla Kiwanis, the Council, the Parks Advisory Board, Parks and Recreation workers and administration, past and present, and to the Larry May family for their efforts and vision in making this a reality,” said Parks and Recreation Director Floyd Jernigan.
“This is a wonderful improvement to our city. This would not be possible without all of these contributions. We hope this will be the first of a number of new playgrounds throughout our parks system.”
Play & Park Structures installed the Spiral Summit playground and the ADA safety surface of rubber tiles and the supporting concrete pad.
City crews added a sidewalk and other prep and finishing efforts. Signs noting the contribution of the Junior Club and the use of Prop P funds, as well as the park’s historic ties to the Rolla Noon Kiwanis Club, have been erected.
A new decorative stone sign, crafted by Rosati Sand & Stone, will be in place at the entrance, displaying the Larry May Park name.
The new playground replaces the original equipment from 1996.
The park was founded in 1992 with support from the Rolla Noon Kiwanis Club, and named for club member Larry May. Since then, the Rolla Parks and Recreation department has maintained and added equipment to the property, and has also managed the new improvement project.
The park, located adjacent to the ball field complex in Ber Juan Park, is frequently used by neighborhood children, as well as by those visiting the ball fields. This particular location was chosen for improvements due to the Rolla Junior Club’s involvement.