HOLYOKE — Inclusive play became a reality as ground was broken Monday for a Miracle League playground at Kennedy Park in the Highlands. The innovative park is designed for children with diverse physical and cognitive needs.
Kerry Parsons, a member of the board of directors for The Miracle League of Western Massachusetts, said the playground will be accessible and American with Disabilities Act-compliant.
The work involves excavation, flattening and leveling the site, followed by an installation process projected to take about 25 days. The playground should be ready in July or August.
Paid for with a $350,000 Community Preservation Act grant, the approximately $479,000 project defines inclusivity. The playground features ramps for children with mobility issues, enabling them to access every part of the playground.
It also will contain quiet areas for children with sensory issues, and a sensory spot full of colors and sounds, ensuring the playground caters to all types of preferences.
Parsons was raised in the Highlands, where she played daily and learned to ride a bike. The former Highland Elementary School stood on the site. Now, the park hosts youth baseball and an adjacent playground.
Cindy Maak from SiteSpecifics and Leone Construction are the project leads.
Maak said she has seen significant developments in inclusive and sensory play equipment in her two decades in the business. The design aims for complete inclusion, not just for children but also for parents with mobility issues.
“I always go back and watch how the pieces are being used, so that I know what to include in my next design,” Maak said. For example, she noted a large, wheelchair-accessible “glider”; a ground-level merry-go-round; and several inclusive swings for Kennedy Park.
Maak underlined the social benefits of inclusive grounds that go beyond physical accessibility. She wants the project to promote understanding and acceptance of differences among people.
“There’s a lot more inclusive pieces now that weren’t there before, which is great. And it’s all about getting everybody to play together,” she added. Maak described the 4,200-square-foot site as “gorgeous.”
The playground’s sensory component gives some children a quiet space or a more tactile experience. Parents with mobility issues can play along aside their children as full access was key, Maak said.
Board president Brian Feely introduced the Miracle League’s new project as a boon for children in Springfield, Chicopee, and Holyoke. Feely sees the project as a crucial step towards providing more inclusive and accessible recreational options for children in the area.
The new playground at Kennedy Park will be the first of its kind in the Holyoke-Chicopee area for The Miracle League; the closest similar accessible park is in Belchertown.
The Miracle League also organizes baseball games for children with physical and cognitive differences, removing barriers that might hinder their participation.
Tammy Fitzell, the organization’s co-founder, discovered that some children could not play regular baseball. So, she teamed up with her husband, president of the Holyoke Youth Baseball League, to find a way for all children to play.
The Miracle League has become a transformative change agent for players and participants. Fitzell recalled pitching the first time and becoming emotional.
“I’m throwing a ball, and they’re attempting to hit it, and they’re laughing, and they’re smiling. They’re running around,” she said.
She sees the addition at Kennedy Park as a natural evolution in The Miracle League’s mission. The new park will ensure no children feel left out and will foster a sense of community among families.