The grand opening of a new playground in Agassiz delighted all ages on Friday when the District of Kent cut the ribbon on it’s brand new, accessible play structure in Schep Park.
Jennifer Thornton, director of community services and projects for the District of Kent, said the park is part of the District’s work to be a more inclusive municipality.
“We recognize that there’s different needs in the community and all of our public spaces need to incorporate accessibility. That’s just part of an all-inclusive community,” she said. “So as we’re replacing or building new facilities and amenities…[accessibility] is going to be something we are considering and doing whenever we can incorporate it.”
The playground’s main accessibility feature is the ‘friendship swing,’ which allows two kids to sit in an enclosed swing. A toddler park sits right next to the larger play structures, so kids can go between the two depending on their abilities and capabilities.
Thornton said another accessible addition is in the works: an ‘oodle swing,’ a circular swing held up in a semi-circle structure.
“The grand plan also included some adult fitness equipment and some lighting in the park,” Thornton said. “We couldn’t bring that to fruition all at the same time but certainly that’s still in the plan too, down the road.”
The Schep Park Playground has been in the works since the District’s 2018 capital budget was approved in the spring. The structures were assembled between Sept. 17-26.
nina.grossman@ahobserver.com
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