Saturday marks the end of a long journey for the Knoxville Morning Kiwanis Club, as they host the formal dedication ceremony for the Miracle Playground.

Saturday marks the end of a long journey for the Knoxville Morning Kiwanis Club, as they host the formal dedication ceremony for the Miracle Playground.

The festivities start at 11 a.m. at Young’s Park; children and families are invited to watch the ceremonies, to join in with the free lunch being provided…and to put the playground equipment to use.

The final phase of the construction ended earlier this year, giving the entire play area equipment appropriate for various ages and physical abilities.

Ernest Smith from the Kiwanis Club tells KNIA/KRLS News the accessibility features not only benefit the children using them, but the older adults who come with.

“At my age, I understand old people,” Smith says. “Grandparents can use those ramps with their kids very well. So (it’s) not only for handicapped, but it works well, real well, for older people to be able to interact with their grandkids.”

Smith says the idea was born in 2012; members realized the existing playground was full of old and used equipment, and was within sight of visitors to the Knoxville Raceway. He says they set out to create a playground which was useful for the children of the community, and helped to make the community look better to visitors.