The Town of Robbins officially celebrated the opening of the new Ellie Jean All-Inclusive Playground on Tuesday, a project years in the making that community leaders say will create a welcoming space for children and families of all abilities.
Located in the heart of Robbins and connected to Tracy Brown Park, the new playground represents a partnership between town leaders, the Clothier family, donors, and funding through a CVB grant, all working together to bring the vision to life.
The Ellie Jean Project, founded by the Clothier family, donated $42,000 to the Town of Robbins in March 2024 to help launch the project. After raising nearly $200,000, the Ellie Jean All-Inclusive Park is now officially open to the public.
Town Commissioner Nikki Bradshaw called the project an important investment in the community.
“We are so excited to open the new Ellie Jean Park,” Bradshaw said. “It represents inclusion, accessibility, and a community commitment to making sure every child and family has a place to play, connect, and feel welcomed. We’re proud to celebrate this meaningful addition to our community.”
Town Commissioner Mark Gilbert credited the collaboration between the town and the Clothier family for making the playground possible.
“I am excited that the Clothier family, the visitors bureau, and the Town of Robbins could make this park a reality,” Gilbert said. “I am humbled that the Clothier family chose Robbins as the home for this park and that we, as a town and board, could bring this dream to fruition.”
Mayor Cameron Dockery thanked everyone who helped make the project possible.
“We celebrate the Ellie Jean All-Inclusive Park and thank her family and all donors for making this possible,” Dockery said. “It is beautiful.”
For Leslie Clothier, founder of the Ellie Jean Project and mother of Ellie, the opening marked the completion of a dream nearly a decade in the making.
“It’s just been a long time coming,” Clothier said. “We started this nine years ago. There was nowhere else we wanted to build this other than Robbins. They deserved it. We are super excited to see it finally happen, and we’re excited to continue, and we’re not done.”
Clothier added that future fundraising efforts are in planning to continue expanding the playground with additions such as swings and other features.
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Curtis Self | Reporter
Article, photo and video by Sandhills Sentinel reporter Curtis Self. Curtis has been writing for Sandhills Sentinel since 2019.
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