DAPHNE — Children climbed, swung and slid on a variety of new equipment as Daphne's Centennial Park reopened after a remodeling program, Monday, July 25.

The city spent $285,000 to renovate the park and replace old metal swings, slides and other items.

Mayor Robin LeJeune said the project took longer than planned due to delivery delays, but he was pleased to see the park reopened.

"It's just so great to see all these kids and parents out here in one of our best parks, Centennial Park, and seeing the upgrade that we've been able to do here," LeJeune said. "Yes, it took a little bit of time to get it done with the problems of getting the equipment here, but we are completed."

Instead of cutting a ribbon to open the park, LeJeune, city officials and local children blew bubbles to celebrate the event.

Councilman Ben Hughes said the park in downtown Daphne has been a tradition for many families for generations.

"I grew up playing here and now our kids come here," Hughes said. "It's great to have a place where kids can come and now with all this added."

LeJeune said Centennial Park is one of several Daphne recreation facilities opened or remodeled in recent months.

"It's so wonderful to be here and have a place for our kids to come and play," LeJeune said. "With all the upgrades we've done this year from our Purple Park, our all-inclusive park, to the splash pad that was just recently opened and now just adding more for our kids to have a safe place to come and play and enjoy being part of Daphne."

Improvements at the park include a 20-foot timberland themed play tower with three slides and a net bridge, a smaller tower area with two slides, a 15-foot climbing jungle gym area, a rock-climbing area, 10 swings, eight benches, new picnic tables and a child-sized picnic table area.

Centennial Park was given its name during the activities surrounding the U.S. bicentennial in 1976 and is located across from Daphne City Hall on Main Street.