Valparaiso Parks announces new ‘inclusive' playground for Foundation Meadows Park this summer
A new and reimagined park landscape will be unveiled this summer at Foundation Meadows Park promising a state-of-the-art all-inclusive terrain of equipment highlights designed for children of all abilities, according to Valparaiso Parks Department Director Kevin Nuppnau.
'We are incredibly excited to bring this new inclusive playground to Foundation Meadows Park in early summer,' Nuppnau said.
'This playground is a testament to our commitment to creating inclusive play spaces where all children can thrive. We believe that play is essential for a child's development, and this new playground will provide countless opportunities for children of all abilities to learn, grow and have fun together.'
Foundation Meadows Park is located at 3210 N. Campbell St., and the new park is estimated to cost around $500,000, with a ribbon-cutting and unveiling expected at the end of August 2025.
Nuppnau said there's currently a selection of parks in Valparaiso with select activities equipment and features for children with accessibility issues but not one comprehensive specifically designed destination until this new initiative.
'Our Valpo Parks is thrilled to announce this new, inclusive playground is coming to Foundation Meadows Park as part of the rePLAY project,' Nuppnau said.
'This new state-of-the-art play space offers children of all abilities a chance to play, explore and connect with others. When ValPLAYso was completed in October 2014, it offered fully accessible features and considerations which had been part of the plan since the early design. And as with all of our parks, we are always improving and making any needed changes to assure we are ADA-compliant.'
One of the new park's focal points will be the Aventus Tower, which Nuppnau describes as 'the industry's first accessible playground tower up to 12 feet.'
He said the Valparaiso Parks Department development and planning team have been working with Sinclair Recreation based in Holland, Michigan, in cooperation with GameTime park equipment, which has been in business since 1929, to craft and build the 5,230-square-foot play space to feature several components designed to stimulate creativity, encourage physical activity and promote social interaction. Berglund Construction of Norwood Park, Illinois, is the hired contractor.
The new park will include:
• Poured-in-place surfacing: Providing a smooth, resilient, and accessible surface for wheelchairs and other mobility devices.
• Fifteen ground-level components: Offering a variety of engaging activities accessible to all children.
• Eight different types of ground-level play: Ensuring diverse play experiences and sensory stimulation.
• Seven elevated play components accessible by a ramp: Allowing children using mobility devices to access elevated play features and experience the joy of climbing and exploring.
• Two bench swings: Providing a relaxing and inclusive swinging experience for children and caregivers.
The Aventus Tower is a new approach to modular tower design serving as a playground centerpiece to welcome climbers and showcase slides and sensory activities. A transfer platform makes it easier for children to transfer from a mobility device while 'SureGrip' climbing components provide extra support with a controlled environment.
Valparaiso currently has more than 1,000 acres of parkland, 28 athletic fields, 24 miles of pathways, 15 miles of trails, 14 playgrounds, two golf courses and a dog park. Nuppnau began his role as park director in April 2023 overseeing the department of 40 full-time employees in addition to 250 seasonal workers and more than 900 volunteers.
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