Military families based at Maxwell Air Force Base and Gunter Annex in Montgomery will soon have a new park dedicated to their needs.

River Region Freedom Park is the result of a community-wide coalition of government, business and community leaders, including Alabama Power.

“The families that call Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base home are incredibly important to what makes our community great,” said Leslie Sanders, vice president of Alabama Power’s Southern Division, which includes the Montgomery area. Sanders is also chairman of the board of directors for the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce, which is playing a lead role in the park project.

When complete, the park at Maxwell Air Force Base will feature multiple playgrounds, pavilions, picnic areas, a walking track, restrooms, fitness stations and a youth soccer field.

“Freedom Park will be a central gathering place for members of the military and their families,” Sanders said. “The park is also evidence of what can happen when chamber members, government and key organizations come together for a common goal.

“The River Region Freedom Park gives us all a great sense of pride in helping Maxwell Air Force Base be the best hometown in the Air Force,” Sanders said.

Others supporting the Freedom Park project include the city of Montgomery, Montgomery County, Montgomery Parks & Recreation, the Greater Montgomery Home Builders Association, Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood Inc., Hunt Companies Inc., the Wright Flyers Association, the Air University Foundation, and the cities of Prattville and Wetumpka.

To date, supporters have raised about half of the $400,000 cost of the park’s construction. For information about how to contribute to the project, contact the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation at 334-240-9423.