Before the grand opening ceremony was even finished, children were climbing up the slide at the Maple Avenue Park.

Editor’s note: Sanford native Aslan Freeman is the lead singer and guitarist for the band Unifier, which has just released its new album “Colorado.” Freeman, 23, is a graduate of Lee County Senior High School and UNC-Greensboro, where he received a bachelor’s degree in music composition. He and band mates Mike Kane (drums), Luke Rayson (bass guitar and vocals) and Chris Carr (guitar and vocals) are preparing to embark on a tour in support of the album. Freeman, the son of Bill and Annie Freeman of Sanford, talked to The Herald about the band, the album and what’s ahead for Unifier.