Ventura, Calif. — The City of Ventura will begin construction on its first fully inclusive play area for children of all abilities. The inclusive play area, located at Arroyo Verde Park, features gathering places, a play structure, swings, hammocks, balance beams, a sensory garden, a motion-inclusive carousel, sensory wall, embankment climbers, music play areas, and more.
“The Arroyo Verde Park play area is the City’s first all-inclusive playground, said Mayor Sofia Rubalcava. “This space will be a place where everyone in the community can come out to have fun and experience the joy of community connection and play, regardless of ability or age.”
Construction for the 10,750 square foot play area is set to begin in early May and anticipated to open in Fall 2021. During construction, the project site and northern parking lot will be closed. The remainder of the park and hiking trails will stay open with additional parking available throughout the park. Additionally, project updates will be shared on the City’s website and social media throughout the duration of the construction process.
In 2017, Arroyo Verde Park’s main play structure was destroyed in the Thomas Fire. Rather than rebuild the same structure, the City decided to re-imagine the space and create the first fully inclusive play area in Ventura.
Families, community members, medical professionals, and playground manufacturers provided input into the playground’s design. Through these conversations, park designers developed an adaptive play space where children of all abilities can play together.
“This project is the first of its kind in Ventura and means so much to our community. Thanks to the Ventura Community Partners Foundation and generous donations from community groups, residents, and local businesses, the City is able to make this dream a reality,” said Parks and Recreation Director Nancy O’Connor. “We cannot wait until Ventura’s first fully inclusive play area opens later this year.”
For more information about this project, please visit http://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/AVP.
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