Latest news with #inclusiveplayground
CBS News
a day ago
- General
- CBS News
Modesto playground for disabled children still pending 3 years later
Modesto playground for children with disablilities remains under construction three years later Modesto playground for children with disablilities remains under construction three years later Modesto playground for children with disablilities remains under construction three years later MODESTO — A long-awaited inclusive playground in Modesto remains incomplete more than three years after its groundbreaking, despite millions of dollars already invested. Known as The Awesome Spot, the playground at Beyer Community Park was designed to accommodate children of all abilities, including those with disabilities. Planning began nearly a decade ago, with a groundbreaking held in 2021. Project designer Chad Kennedy said the playground was initially estimated to cost around $2.5 million when first proposed in 2016. Since then, the project has already surpassed $3.5 million in spending, with $1.5 million contributed by the City of Modesto. "We build it with what money we have," Kennedy said. "And then we keep the wheels rolling and try to find more money to keep it going." The city has signed an agreement to take over maintenance once the playground is completed. But Kennedy says an additional $3.5 to $5 million is still needed to finish construction. Residents living near the site say they've watched years of sporadic work with little communication. "I'm all for helping kids with disabilities," said neighbor Kenneth Morris. "But the planning seemed to be a little lacking." The Awesome Spot team is currently transitioning to a new nonprofit partner in hopes of bringing in more national support. Donations can be made at the project's official website.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
CT city awarded $450K+ for a new, inclusive playground for children with disabilities
Newington has been awarded a $485,000 grant to build a new, inclusive playground at Candlewyck Park, town officials said. The town project, announced by Gov. Ned Lamont on Friday, is part of a $30 million package distributed to 46 small towns across Connecticut for capital improvement projects focused on infrastructure, community development and quality-of-life upgrades. The Candlewyck Park project will be matched by $121,365 in local funding, bringing the total project cost to $606,976, officials said. The grants are all part of the state's Small Town Economic Assistance Program. 'We are incredibly grateful to Governor Lamont and his staff for their support for this important infrastructure project,' said Newington Mayor Jon Trister. 'This grant will help establish a state-of-the-art playground and play space for the residents of the Candlewyck neighborhood. We are thrilled with this announcement.' The new playground will feature accessible play elements for all children, regardless of ability. Officials said the project also supports the town's long-term commitment to neighborhood revitalization and inclusive park access throughout Newington. 'The Newington Parks and Recreation Department happily announces that Governor Lamont and the State Legislature have awarded the town of Newington this critical funding to replace the outdated playground equipment in the Lamplighter Lane area,' said Don Woods, chair of the town's parks and recreation board. 'This grant allows us to move forward with the second and final stage of renovations at Candlewyck Park.' The Candlewyck Park project builds upon the town's ongoing work to enhance parks town wide. In recent years, the town has completed major renovations at Mill Pond Park Playground, Churchill Park Playground, Clem Lemire Playground, Beacon Park Playground, Beechwood Park Playground, Eagle Park Playground, and Seymour Park Playground. For additional information on the Candlewyck Park inclusive playground or other ongoing projects, contact the Newington Parks and Recreation Department at 860-665-8666 or visit
CTV News
25-05-2025
- General
- CTV News
Montreal school's inclusive playground a model for outdoor play — and a push joy
A new courtyard at Giant Steps Montreal is showing how inclusive playground design can benefit all children, not just those on the autism spectrum.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Inclusive playground dedicated at Walnut Beach
ASHTABULA — Students from Happy Hearts School put the new inclusive playground at Walnut Beach to the test Friday morning before and after a dedication ceremony. The park was possible due to American Recovery Plan Act dollars, made available to the Ashtabula County Board of Developmental Disabilities through the state of Ohio. Manda Jackson, director of Quality and Community Outreach for the board, said the project likely wouldn't have occurred without the funding. She was also appreciative to the city of Ashtabula for providing the land. 'It is even better than I dreamed it would be,' Board of DD Superintendent Toni Scurpa said.' It shows we as a community believe in providing inclusive [opportunities].' Lisa Ebersole, president of the board, read a proclamation officially announcing the park being turned over to the city of Ashtabula. 'I can remember 25 years ago visiting an inclusive playground and wondering if we could bring one here,' she said. Ashtabula City Manager Jim Timonere was happy to accept the gift of the park, and promised to maintain the facility. 'We still have work to do,' Timonere said before a ribbon-cutting ceremony that included students from Happy Hearts. Timonere credited Amy Coursen, Ashtabula project administrator, with coordinating all the details to make sure the park became a reality. The project had to be completed before the end of 2024 because of grant stipulations, and the collaborative project was successfully done by the end of November, just in time for the Thanksgiving weekend snowstorm, which dropped five feet of snow on the area. The city recently finished detail work around the playground. Visitors have been seen using the project before the dedication took place Friday. 'We are going to take care of it, and add to it as we can,' Timonere said. He said a special parking lot for vehicles for the developmentally disabled is scheduled to be created, adjacent to the playground. Jackson said 40 students from Happy Hearts attended the ceremony, and had a chance to play on the new facility. Many of the students also participated in the ribbon cutting. Timonere credited Capp Steel for their assistance in the project.
CBS News
13-05-2025
- General
- CBS News
Fairfield multi-year park renovation takes another step forward with opening of new, inclusive playground
FAIRFIELD — The latest phase in a multi-year park renovation in Fairfield was unveiled to the public on Monday afternoon. The City of Fairfield hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the brand new, inclusive playground for children of all abilities at Allan Witt Community Park on West Texas Street. City of Fairfield cuts ribbon to unveil new Allan Witt Community Park Playground City of Fairfield A crowd of hundreds of children and their families attended to celebrate the playground's opening. "There's a lot more stuff to play on than all the other playgrounds," said Ukiah, a child playing at the park Monday. The 8-phase renovation project saw a brand new dog park and skate park finished first at Allan Witt Park. "You've got the dog park right behind me, our great aquatic center, and now this is the trifecta of love right here with the playground," said Joe Alvarez, superintendent of Parks and Recreation. From spinning to swinging and sliding, each feature was designed with inclusivity in mind. "We want to embrace the differences in all," said Alvarez. Specialized swings and play platforms created specially to fit a wheelchair are part of the park's new design. Other inclusive play features at the park include a sensory dome and sign language and braille panels. "Yeah, it's way better than other parks I've been to," said Arrianna, a young girl playing Monday. The park is also designed to welcome all ages. "It's a great day to be at the park today to play with my brothers," said another young girl. Parents tell CBS News Sacramento they are happy to see park improvements right in their own backyard. "It's a good upgrade to what was here before. The kids are bouncing everywhere so that's good," said Diana Ramirez. "I grew up here in this area and I remember when Allan Witt wasn't really a desirable place. For many reasons. So it's fun and exciting to have a new playground for my son," said Lynette McGhee. The playground marks phase three of eight total phases planned in the project. Up next is new life for the sports fields and more community gathering space. "It's really a labor of love, multi-department between public works and parks and rec just coming together to make sure we are providing these great services for our people," said Alvarez. So far, the project is kid-approved. "Fun! It's bigger and there's more stuff to play with," said Devon Mayfield, a Fairfield fifth grader. "There's a lot of kids here, especially today at the grand opening, so I can meet like a ton of new friends," said Arrianna. This project redeveloped about three acres of the park, adding accessibility upgrades, new amenities, and improved infrastructure. Learn more about the ongoing plans for renovation on the city's website.
