ASHDOWN, Ark. -- The city of Ashdown unveiled a playground during a ribbon cutting Friday afternoon at Ashdown City Park.
The 4,400-square-foot inclusive playground was made possible through a $150,000 Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas grant awarded to Ashdown Community Foundation, as well as money raised from the annual Ashdown Community Auction.
The estimated construction cost of the playground was about $388,000.
Volunteers from the Domtar Community Advisory Team and city representatives hosted the ribbon cutting. Representatives from the Blue and You Foundation were also present.
"We've always had this vision of having an inclusive playground at Ashdown City Park," said Tammy Water, a Domtar representative. "They're not cheap, and if you've ever purchased any kind of playground equipment, you know there's a lot that goes into that. But ours is very unique, and we're excited to be able to showcase it today."
Mallory Bailey, with the Ashdown Community Foundation, said the playground is designed for all children to enjoy.
The playground has a cushioned fall zone 6 feet around the play area. The ramps throughout the playground are wide enough for a wheelchair to easily maneuver throughout. There is an adaptive cruiser that can hold two wheelchairs and up to 12 children.
The playground features metal roller slides that allows children who have ear implants to slide and enjoy without static interference that can sometimes be caused with plastic slides. This is in addition to various other cognitive-stimulating and inclusive features for children of all abilities to enjoy, Bailey said.
"We wanted to make sure that this was something for all kids of all abilities," Bailey said. "And I think it's a place that everyone can enjoy."
The Ashdown City Park inclusive playground is at 1301 Gordon Drive, right across the street from the splash pad.
"This is a place that all of us in Ashdown can be very, very proud of," Waters said. "And this project is something that would not be possible without so many individuals who contributed and pulled together to help fund this."
Community members in Ashdown, Ark., gather for a picture before the ribbon is cut at the unveiling ceremony of an inclusive playground Friday, Nov. 18, 2022, at Ashdown City Park. (Staff photo by Andrew Bell)
Ashdown Elementary students go down a slide Friday, Nov. 18, 2022, at the new inclusive playground at Ashdown City Park. (Staff photo by Andrew Bell)
Ashdown Elementary students enjoy features of the new inclusive playground Friday, Nov. 18, 2022, at Ashdown City Park. (Staff photo by Andrew Bell)