A fully accessible, broadly inclusive playground is coming to Legacy Park.
Originally suggested during conversations with Decatur elementary school students, the idea of playspaces and equipment designed for children of all ages and abilities was a popular topic during 2018’s Legacy Park community visioning process, ultimately emerging as a priority in the park’s Master Plan.
Inclusive playgrounds, as they’re commonly known, are universally-designed, sensory-rich environments that go beyond minimum accessibility standards to create play experiences accommodating the widest possible array of physical and cognitive abilities. They further allow adults of varying ages and abilities to actively engage with children in their care and serve as multi-generational gathering spaces for community enjoyment, socialization, healthy bodies, and imaginative fun.
This effort was made possible by a $145,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) obtained through Dekalb County with the support of county Commissioners Steve Bradshaw, District 4, and Ted Terry, District 6. The City of Decatur then pledged $114,00 in matching funds for a total project budget of $259,000.
Included in the plans are a poured rubber play surface throughout for ease of access and safety, and a range of play options for children of all ages and abilities: climbing equipment, slides, monkey bars, tunnels, a group swing, and a variety of sensory play stations.
Join Us
Join us for our formal ribbon cutting on Thursday, March 9 at 4pm to celebrate this milestone of the Legacy Park master plan. You’ll find it on the south side of the campus, across from the Creative Village. Drop on by.
The renderings below illustrate the design process that led to the new playground.
