Released by the City of Greer.
The City of Greer officially opened its $2 million Benson Automotive Kids Planet playground at Century Park today with a ribbon cutting and a plaque dedicated to major donor Jim Benson of Greer.
Ann Cunningham, director of the City's Parks and Recreation Department, emceed the ceremony held at the playground's new entrance.
"The result of a long and intentional planning process is what we have today: an enchanted forest themed playground venue with many diverse play structures, built for everyone, of all ages and abilities," Cunningham said. "Ben Automotive Kids Planet is unique and has a very innovative design. It is truly a destination, attracting families and visitors from all over."
Child plays musical flowers at newly updated Kids PlanetEmily Gill
The playground was built on the site of the original Kids Planet, which became a fixture for Upstate children when it opened in 1999. As those wooded play structures began to age, the City of Greer developed a master plan in 2017 for a complete rebuild of the facility. That process included a community workshop for parents and visits to six local elementary schools to collect ideas for themes and play structures.
Newly revamped Benson Automotive Kids PlanetEmily Gill
The original playground closed in September of 2019 and work began on the new facility with its enchanted forest theme. The new Benson Automotive Kids Planet includes such requested features as zip lines, hillside slides, a walking trail with exercise stations, misters, musical stations, and themed play structures.
Sno-Hut is located just outside the main entrance offering concessions for children and parents alike.
The playground, located at 3605 Brushy Creek Road is open daily from dawn until dusk with the exception of Wednesdays when staff performs maintenance from 7 a.m. until noon.
