On June 7 at 8 a.m. Emry Park, some 50 volunteers will put the finishing touches on new playground equipment received through the non-profit KaBoom! and the Kate B. Reynolds Foundation.

“The plan is the playground equipment manufacturer will do the major installation,” Parks and Recreation Director John Simeon said today. “The volunteers will do the borders and mulch, a pedestrian bridge and a two-bay swing set.”

The new playground equipment will be installed in the central part of the park, while the pedestrian bridge will be installed over a small trench that leads to the walking track. “You should be able to see the playground equipment from every angle of the park,” Simeon said.

The new equipment is part of an overall wellness and fitness initiative across the county, he said. The old equipment will be sold as surplus.

The equipment will be traditional playground fare but adds a new touch to the park, said Simeon. “There's still more work that needs to be done. We need to address the restrooms and some of the storage and concession area.We have at Emry issues with the tennis courts.”

The Roanoke Rapids Fire Department will bring its smokehouse for educational purposes while the Davie Volunteer Fire Department will cook for the volunteers.

The volunteers range from Boy Scout troops to members of the community, churches and local businesses. “Part of the whole KaBoom! mission is the community helps so they can take ownership and a vested interest in the playground.”