City making plans for ‘inclusive’ playground
Clinton City is seeking a Local Parks and Recreation grant from the state to build an inclusive playground.
The plans were revealed Tuesday, March 27, at the City Council meeting.
An inclusive playground is one that is specially designed for children of all different abilities to be able to play together. They are developmentally appropriate for children with and without disabilities.
City Manager Roger Houck stated that the plan is to replace the playground in South Clinton Park.
“We do have the money in our capital outlay budget to replace the current piece of playground.”
Christina McNally brought the idea to Houck and Parks and Rec Director, Jason Brown, back in December.
McNally stated that the first time she visited an inclusive playground changed her life.
“I also felt this undeniable call to share this with Clinton and these kids.” said McNally.
She also mentioned that with the opioid epidemic in the area, there are a lot of special needs children that would greatly benefit from the playground.
“We are excited to offer this as a place where all children can play together; with disabled bodies or able bodies.”
The grant application is due April 18 and the grant will be awarded in June or July but Houck stated that they would go with it one way or the other. The grant would just be a perk.
They hope to be getting underway with the project in early Fall.