JARRETT GOODMAN
Staff Writer
Loyd Park’s Playground Paradise in South Pittsburg has received several new additions to its grounds as part of ongoing renovations.
Throughout 2025, South Pittsburg’s city administration has been in the works to renovate and revitalize the town through a variety of different projects. One of the ways doing so was by utilizing grant funds and additional support from the community to overhaul both Moore and Loyd Parks. Loyd Park now currently underway in receiving a major overhaul.
“The idea is to get Playground Paradise back to, if not better than the original state with more modern and updated equipment,” said City Administrator Michael Hudson.
The new pieces introduced include a brand new steel and plastic bound playground and swing set, both including new borders and mulch surrounding each. Hudson explained the ongoing project is being funded by a new $100,000 grant the city was awarded from the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, alongside an added $15,000 donated by the National Cornbread Festival board and $10,000 directly funded from the city administration.
“This was applied for about two months ago, and we got a good turnaround on it quickly with the Cornbread Festival board’s help,” said Hudson.
Hudson further explained that over time, with grants and city funds, new additions and renovations will be added across other sections of Loyd Park, such as the placement of chain link fencing to surround Playground Paradise and resurfacing the basketball courts. At Playground Paradise, all memorabilia dedicated to the businesses and community members who helped support the establishment of the playground will remain, including a new mural featuring handprints made by children on wooden boards featured within the original playground.
“We’re going to keep the integrity of the old park, and the businesses who donated are staying,” said Hudson.
Hudson added upon becoming city administrator of South Pittsburg, two main goals came to mind: to revitalize historic structures and public parks within the community, and to help the city flourish for years to come through modernized updating. He expressed much appreciation for the city board’s support, stating how each member has been on board with his general goals to bring new life into South Pittsburg since stepping into the role as city administrator.
Mayor Shawn Henson of South Pittsburg expressed excitement for Loyd Park’s ongoing revitalization, especially after the original park was left condemned due to its conditions proving too unsafe for usage.
“It’s going to be great for our kids and for the kids from South Pittsburg Mountain, New Hope, and all around that we have this facility to where they can come and use it,” said Henson.
With all new equipment and revitalizations introduced and underway, all city officials and public workers wish for residents to respectfully keep all park equipment new and remaining maintained, as the city looks further ahead into Loyd Park’s major revitalization project.