Sandhills Daily | Community
Robbins is moving forward with a new all-inclusive playground after town leaders unanimously approved funding and plans for the Ellie Jean ADA-compliant play park—powered by local donations, town investment, and visitor-backed grant support.
Unanimous approval and funding package
The Robbins Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to accept a $75,000 matching grant from the Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Aberdeen Area Convention and Visitors Bureau’s One-Time Project Fund and pair it with donations raised through the Ellie Jean Project nonprofit.
The approved plan includes the ADA-compliant playground plus paved parking, with a total project estimate of $213,375, including a 5% contingency. Town officials stated the town’s out-of-pocket share is $93,299.37.
Community voices helped shape the decision
The vote came after emotional public comments from residents connected to people with accessibility needs, including the Clothier family, who founded the Ellie Jean Project and contributed significant early funding toward the park.
Donations total more than $45,000 after additional fundraising efforts and private contributions were added to the original gift.
Construction timeline
Town Manager Clint Mack said once equipment arrives in the coming weeks, the project is expected to move into a roughly three-month construction lead time—setting the stage for the play park to be available in 2026.