Summary The City has been working toward the construction of an inclusive playground. An inclusive playground is designed as a thoughtful and safe place where children of all abilities can play together. Inclusive playgrounds are developmentally appropriate for all children and provide both a physical and social, sensory-rich experience. Furthermore, inclusive playgrounds ensure physical accommodations are made in addition to engaging and creative components that promote inclusion for children of all abilities.
The City Commission adopted the Legacy Park Master Plan on Oct. 26, 2015. Using the Master Plan's guidance in tandem with the City Strategic Plan, the City constructed the multipurpose center, multipurpose fields with concession stand/restrooms, outdoor amphitheater, related parking and sidewalk/trail network. The playground is also consistent with the Master Plan. The City's Parks & Recreation Advisory Board received presentations and provided input about the inclusive playground during its June 24, 2019 and Sept. 30, 2019 meetings.
City staff has worked with playground provider Kompan, Inc. through a U.S. Communities contract to design and construct the inclusive playground. Kompan is an International Play Equipment Manufactures Association (IPEMA) certified provider. The IPEMA provides product certification that validates conformance to certain American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards.
The playground includes a ramped primary structure that promotes bouncing, climbing, sliding and swaying, all of which develop the physical, social-emotional and cognitive skills of children. Lower levels of the structure provide areas for retraction as well as exploitative play options that train logical thinking. Another component of the playground is an explorer dome, which is a climbing net structure with various ropes and ladders that encourage stretching, jumping, swaying, balancing, hanging, bending and twisting. Additional components include swings with specialized inclusive features, wheel-chair accessible carousel, spinner seat, hammocks, meeting points and fixed musical instruments. Shade structures are also included. The surfacing of the playground is a poured in place pervious rubber material, which provides ADA accessibility, shock absorption and low maintenance.
The estimated time for completion of the playground is the first quarter of 2020. | | |