All-Abilities Park
All-Abilities Park
Written by Eric Pulsifer Friday, 03 October 2008
The Round Rock Sunrise Rotary Club is leading a community-wide effort to build a park in Round Rock where children of varying abilities can play side by side.
The Round Rock Sunrise Rotary Club is leading a community-wide effort to build a park in Round Rock where children of varying abilities can play side by side. The all-abilities park will be the first of its kind in the area, bringing children together to interact, play and learn.
The city of Round Rock partnered with the Sunrise Club to seek funding for the park from community groups and citizens. Construction is likely still a year or two away, with timing dependent upon financial donations.
Though the city is not funding the project, approximately 1 acre of parkland adjacent to the Rabb House off Hwy. 79 was designated for the park. It will be divided into five separate pods to accommodate children’s different needs.
The concept was born last year after the Sunrise Club discussed creating a park for autistic children. After further consideration, the scope was broadened to serve children of all abilities.
Marge Tripp, Sunrise Club community director, said the decision to expand the park’s offerings came after the group realized the severity of the need.
“In a community like ours, I think people are excited because we have not had anything this specialized,” Tripp said.
The city developed the park design after consultations with occupational therapists and specialists to determine what types of equipment would be best for children of varying abilities.
The estimated cost of the project is $500,000, plus the cost to build a parking lot.
Donations can be made to the Round Rock Sunrise Rotary Club by contacting Marge Tripp at interagencyeast@yahoo.com.
1. Boundless Playscape — A traditional playground that will exceed current accessibility standards, the pod will be equipped with ramps and rubber fall surfaces.
2. Brushy Creek Village — Several play buildings and street signs will line roads for tricycles to teach children about traffic signs and provide experience with gas stations, stores and post offices.
3. Rock Band Pod — Wheelchair-accessible outdoor instruments such as drums, xylophones and bells will offer young musicians a chance to express their creativity.
4. Sensory Fun Pod — A low-sitting wall made from materials of varying textures will offer sensory experiences. The pod will also include learning panels, an easy-to-access sandbox area at table height and a fountain. Aromatic plants will surround the pod to engage children’s sense of smell.
5. Island Retreat — Designed for children requiring a calmer play experience, Island Retreat is less cluttered and will be located away from the rest of the park. The pod will include tunnels, climbing equipment and a variety of adaptive swings, designed for children of differing abilities.
0 Comments 