Azalea Park is finally open. This small park in the northern half of the Town of Colonial Beach, at the corner of Azalea Road and Stratford Street, had been in the planning stages for quite some time before the playground equipment was finally secured. Installation and construction were completed just before the ribbon cutting on April 10.

The neighborhood’s reaction to the ship-themed playground equipment and the park as a whole, both on the day of the ribbon cutting and in the weeks that have followed, has been nothing short of ecstatic.

Mayor Robin Schick and Town Manager Natasha Tucker both spoke at length on the rip-roaring success the park has been enjoying since its grand opening at the Colonial Beach Town Council’s meeting on the 15th.

“The kids were so excited about that park that they literally could not wait to cut the ribbon,” Mayor Schick commented. “It’s the highlight of the Town right now, and it’s being widely used as soon as school lets out, pretty much all the way to the end of the day.

“Obviously a need is being met, and if you can’t see that with your own two eyes, then I don’t know what’s wrong, because it can’t be any more obvious. It was exciting for the whole neighborhood.”

Tucker’s comments mirrored those of the mayor, making note of the sheer joy and enthusiasm of the kids who attended the ribbon cutting.

“All the children present had such a wonderful time. We had one boy on the swings, and he was in tears,” added Tucker. “I ran over and asked him what was wrong. He told me that day was perfect and wondered how it could get any better—it just melted my heart.

“All the kids there were having a wonderful time, and I wanted to highlight that this project has been in the works for quite some time. It really represents the investment that we place in our community and our continued commitment to enhanced public spaces for residents and visitors alike, particularly for that side of town. I’ve seen families walk to the park, and this summer, when school is out, I imagine the park will just stay filled with kids.”

All eyes now shift over to Castlewood Park and the efforts to revamp that particular patch in the southern half of Colonial Beach.