The wait is over.

West Columbia’s free Carraway Park at 212 Hudson Street opened last Monday.

Early reviews for the all-inclusive park at the River-walk are excellent.

Sherry Wright teaches 4-year-olds with disabilities at Riverbank Elementary School. She and her students were at the opening.

“I think the park is a wonderful addition,” she said. “The city put a lot of thought into the types of equipment they installed. The students really enjoyed exploring the park.”

Eileen Gomez Aquino, a 7th-grader at Northside Middle School, said, “I like the park, and I think my little sisters will like it, too, when they get to go.”

Carrie Freeman, an 8th-grader at Northside said, “I liked the swings. I want to go back.” Eileen and Carrie’s teacher is a fan, too.

“The kids in my class absolutely loved it. They had a blast” said Lana Ward, special education teacher at Northside Middle School. She was part of the team that planned the park, and her students attended the park ribbon-cutting.

“The class did not want to leave,” she said.

Ward also said the equipment was easily accessible for all children, regardless of mobility or ability.

Akeen Kerns-Benjamin, a shadow for Northside student Jacarri Sanders, said, “I like that it brings together all the kids from different backgrounds. I look forward to bringing my children here.”

West Columbia Mayor-Elect Tem Miles’ daughter Emma has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair.

Emma had a great time playing in the park with her sisters Catherine and Charlotte.

“This is something that has been needed in West Columbia for a long time,” Miles said. In 2017, Carraway Park was small and surrounded by 2 vacant lots.

Now, Miles said, it is a place where parents of children with special needs don’t have to make a decision on which child to play with.

“We came in and did the right thing,” said Miles. “I’m very proud of this park.”

In addition to being a place to play for all kids, Miles said the large new parking lot will also serve visitors coming to the Riverwalk.

“We’re happy to offer more parking,” said Miles. “That is an added benefit to an already wonderful project.”

At the park’s ribbon cutting, State Sen. Nikki Setzler noted that Jack Carraway, who the park is named after, is “smiling today.”