Melissa Schick of Chesterton is amazed at the “thought, imagination and caring design” used to create that latest addition to the Valparaiso Parks System.
On Friday morning, Schick and her 37-year-old son Mark, who is a proud athlete and participant in the annual Special Olympics competitions, joined more than 200 gathered for Valparaiso Parks Department’s unveiling of the new, inclusive playground at Foundation Meadows Park, described as “a state-of-the-art play space thoughtfully designed for children of all abilities.”
“I wish there had been something like this for Mark and others 30 years ago,” said Schick, who was joined by her daughter-in-law and children, Rain, nearly a year old, and River, 2. They all marveled at the new landscape at Foundation Meadows Park, 3210 N. Campbell St. in Valparaiso.
“This incredible 5,230-square-foot playground, built through the rePLAY initiative, is a testament to Valpo Parks’ commitment to providing meaningful spaces where all children can play, explore, and connect,” Valpo Parks Director Kevin Nuppnau said.
“The design incorporates innovative features to ensure accessibility and engagement for every child.”
Among the highlights are the 12-foot-high Aventus Tower, an accessible tower with platforms allowing anyone of any ability to climb and explore and billed as “the first of its kind.” A range of 10 slides safely serves all ages and thrill levels. There are 15 ground-level activities and eight sensory play experiences for discovery. Seven elevated components, all accessible by ramp, oversee the entire terrain and a large sled-like bench swing is designed for both children and their caregivers and large enough to welcome wheelchairs.
According to Nuppnau, the park construction began in January, and the total cost was around $500,000, with a large portion of that cost dedicated to the price of the smooth, poured-in-place surfacing throughout the park space that is ideal for wheelchairs and other mobility devices.
“Valpo Parks extends its sincere gratitude for the collective hard work of parks staff and our partners at GameTime which made the equipment and Sinclair Recreation which developed the design and offered such key contributions to make this dream a reality,” Nuppnau said.
Jessica Sharp, clinical director for Kidworks, LLC. Pediatric Therapy Center in Chesterton, said the new park will “allow all kids to be kids, despite compromised abilities.
“Thank you Valparaiso Parks for this new space,” Sharp said.
“The equipment and features in this new park address sensory needs, coordination, communication with kids, motor skills, physical exercise and most of all, a place for young spirits to build up their confidence.
Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas performed the ribbon-cutting honors with the help of his own grandchildren Bill and Ellen.
“Foundation Meadows Park was developed in the early 2000s, and it’s the park of my own past,” Costas said. “Today, this is the park of the future.”
Tristan Leonhard, assistant director of Valparaiso Parks Department, said the new park unveiling is part of the rePLAY initiative to prioritize enhancing patron accessibility, address infrastructure needs, implement safety measures and invest in sustainability practices. He said the rePLAY initiative is funded by using bond proceeds originally earmarked for what was last year’s proposed sports park that are now being put to immediate use for long-term benefits.
“Park renovations and construction are expected to be completed by the end of the year,” Leonhard said.
To learn more about the rePLAY initiative and stay updated on project timelines and community engagement opportunities, visit https://valpoparks.org/709/Parks-rePLAY.
Phil Potempa is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.