Good swings are important to a four-year-old.

So are climbing features. Lots of them. High ones.

Those were some of the opinions that Gulf Shores city officials heard at last week’s Community Input Meeting for the Kids Park Playground.

Families young and old were able to view four playground layouts featuring different themes, designs, and equipment. Each person was given a sheet of stickers at the door and encouraged to mark the features they liked best. Zip lines, slides, swings and unique climbing structures were prominent on each design as well as handicap accessible features.

The City of Gulf Shores Recreation & Cultural Affairs Department was on hand to answer questions. One frequently asked question was: were there going to be bathroom facilities and where?

Matt Young, Recreation and Cultural Affairs assistant director spoke about the plans and assured the crowd that a bathroom facility is planned. It was not included on the concepts for this meeting, however.

The input meeting’s main purpose was to gauge what play features and themes were most liked. The information will be used to narrow down the design.

Alan Killen, of Civil Southeast Engineering Group, is working closely with the city to deliver a design that will become the highlight of playdates for years to come.

The city will host Public Input Session No. 2 on July 30, 2019. The location is to be announced.

Results of Input Session No. 1 will be presented and the final playground conceptual will also be presented.

“Our community played an integral role in the original creation of Kids Park, and we want them to remain involved as we consider ways to update it and make it a fun and safe place to play for our local children to play,” Young said.