37 minutes back

Anthony D'Agostino,

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN)-- Lincoln officials revealed a plan on Tuesday to create what they say is the city's first completely inclusive play ground at Mahoney Park.

It's going to be for everybody, no matter age or capability.

The city received a $400,000 grant from the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission to create the play area, which will have to do with 32,000 square feet.

Lincoln Parks and Recreation Director Maggie Stuckey-Ross stated the grant requires a 50% match by the city, but the city will match all the funds.

Most of the money is already readily available in the Capital Improvement Program budget, with the remaining $100,000 coming from personal donations and the general budget.

The play area will have zones for various play areas.

It will likewise be the only inclusive play area with a fence and single-entry gate, something moms and dads really desired.

" This park is a triumph for the marginalized and underserved disabled in our neighborhood," stated Cathy Martinez, president of Autism Family Network. "People in wheelchairs, people with visual disabilities, people with intellectual disabilities, they may look different to outsiders, however they are the exact same in their requirement for play."

The playground will have no stairs and will be available to all.

It will include numerous banks of swings, a water zone, a climbing zone and a sensory garden.

Martinez said Lincoln needs to have something that makes everybody feel welcome.

" When my 20-year-old kid goes to swing at the park and he's sitting beside 4-and-5-year-olds, it's extremely apparent that it makes people uneasy," she said.

Martinez said knowing that the play ground is for those of all capabilities will make people more accepting there.

Stuckey-Ross stated the hope is to break ground in the spring of 2024, with the playground opening about six months later on.

The play ground belongs to the city's objective to construct four inclusive play grounds around the city by 2038.

Courtesy: City of LincolnNew playground strategy superimposed onto a satellite picture of the existing park


Rendering of new Mahoney inclusive play ground 2Courtesy: City of Lincoln


Mahoney-park layoutCourtesy: City of Lincoln


Rendering of new inclusive play area at MahoneyCourtesy: City of Lincoln

Classifications: Lancaster, News, Top Stories

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