Whole Foods Market has donated $50,000 towards developing and creating a new playground at Nannie J.Lee Recreation Center.
The city is undertaking the design process and will begin seeking public input on specific play equipment in February.
The project consists of installing modular play structures for children, ages 5 through 12. Using construction that incorporates the use of recycled materials, the park is expected to be complete by late spring or early summer.
Austin, Texas-based Whole Foods Market, the nation's first certified organic grocer, will open its newest location at 1700 Duke St. on Jan. 17. It will be located on the first level of a new multi-story mixed use building with underground parking for shoppers and tenants.
"We are so pleased that Whole Foods recognized a need for a playground, and chose the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs as its recipient and partner in its goal of making contributions to the community," said Kirk Kincannon, director of the department.