After more than a year of closure due to the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene, the City of Douglas is pleased to announce the official reopening of Wheeler Park. While the park may look different, it remains a cherished space for recreation and community gathering.
Although the park is now open to the public, some areas remain under repair, and safety precautions are still in place. Citizens are urged to supervise children closely and avoid any playground equipment marked with caution tape, as these areas are not yet safe for use.
Visitors can enjoy the walking track, pickleball and tennis courts, and the ballfield, all of which are open and ready for use. However, certain sidewalks and playground structures are still undergoing repairs. The City has plans to install new playground equipment, additional seating, and a new shelter, along with other enhancements to improve the park. In the meantime, citizens can bring their own seating or a pop-up tent (no stakes in the ground) if they plan to spend an extended period in the park. Sandbags may be used as an option to secure tents.
“We ask that citizens please be patient as the rebuilding process continues at Wheeler Park,” said City Manager Charles Davis. “The grounds are more open now that the century-old pine trees are gone, but we’re viewing this as an opportunity to bring in new and improved amenities for our community, thanks to strong partnerships and support.”
The City of Douglas appreciates the community’s understanding and looks forward to the improvements that will revitalize Wheeler Park for residents for generations to come.