Douglas, AZ is Home to New Inclusive Play National Demonstration Site
Eighth Street Park in Douglas, Arizona, is the site of a new inclusive playground designed for people of all abilities. Triple M Recreation, GameTime's exclusive representative in Arizona, designed the playground using the research found in Me2: 7 Principles of Inclusive Playground Design. In addition, PlayCore designated the playground as a National Demonstration Site for inclusive play.
By utilizing the latest research on inclusive playground design and working with a passionate play partner, the community created a playground that benefits the whole child, the whole community, and the whole environment. Read on to see how the City of Douglas brought its vision for inclusive play to life!
Funding an Inclusive Playground
Jennifer Smith, leisure services manager for Douglas, said the project was made possible through Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds with 100 percent matching funds from GameTime. “The grant matched the city’s cost for the main structure,” said Smith. “The amount we saved with the grant allowed us to purchase additional freestanding equipment.” Smith added, “This new playground will be an area all kids can engage and have fun. This was such an amazing project. The impact it’s going to have on our community will be huge.”
Children enjoy GameTime's inclusive whirl, Merry-Go-All, at Eighth Street Park in Douglas, Arizona.
Triple M Recreation designed the playground. Pete Ryan of Triple M Recreation said, "We work with park and recreation professionals, schools, landscape architects, and youth organizations to create outdoor recreation solutions for every generation. This project was a joy to work on because of Jen's passion for the community and the children and families who live here."
Community leaders and families join together for the ribbon-cutting at Eighth Street Park in Douglas, Arizona.
Celebrating a Love for Play
On hand with Jennifer and Pete was Tom Norquist, senior vice president of GameTime. After the ribbon-cutting, Tom talked with members of the community about what makes a playground inclusive. “When you think of the word include, you all want to be included in good things," said Norquist. "An inclusive playground is a playground where everybody is included no matter what their ability. That’s what you have created here. A child with a disability is still a child, and we want them to be out there with all of our kids playing.”
The new playground celebrates the abilities of everyone in Douglas and is a lasting symbol of the community's commitment to making play and recreation a part of life for everybody.
Bring Inclusive Play to Your Community
If you are interested in designing an inclusive playground and ensuring the play area is backed by best practices, contact one of our inclusive play experts today. We can review the latest research with you, help you select the right products for your space and budget, and create a space that benefits everyone.