The City of Kennesaw, in partnership with the Swift-Cantrell Park Foundation, will completely renovate the upper playground at Swift-Cantrell Park and transform it in to a fully inclusive play space. The updated inclusive playground will utilize 5,000 currently unused square feet and feature four new play structures.
The current playground includes nine slides, 11 swings, sensory boards, and a main play structure that has 100 feet of ADA ramps. The upgraded play space will add a main play structure complete with wheelchair accessible ramps that lead to a ropes tower as well as sensory stations, an eight person wheelchair Sway Fun apparatus, and a slide. The ramp system will also lead to pod climbers, a tunnel system, and climbing features. Above the main play structure will be 40 feet of shade.
The Sensory Play Center will engage the senses and help kids of all abilities further their development as they play together. Built-in tactile elements encourage kids to explore various rough and smooth textures and shapes.
The We-Go-Round is fully wheelchair accessible and allows kids of all abilities to interact in a fun environment. It can be turned from the inside or outside, allowing everyone to participate in the fun, and will accommodate up to eight people.
The Loft will have 20 interactive activities addressing developmentally appropriate skills: Shapes Panel, Image Panel, Steps, Mailbox Talk Tube, Flower Gear Panel, Alphabet Panel, Bubble Window, Counting Panel, Belt Climber, Flower/Leaf Spinners, Clock, Colors Mat, Seats, Find-it Sign, Lower Level Clubhouse, Crawl Tunnel, Vegetable/Leaf Sliders, Belt Seat, Slide and a Faces Panel.
The entire 18,500 square foot space will be made accessible to everyone by removing the wood chips and installing turf. Every child will be able to maneuver the entire space.
The new, inclusive playground at Swift-Cantrell Park will be one of the largest inclusive playground in Georgia.
The inclusive playground came to be through the passionate advocacy of the Swift-Cantrell Park Foundation. SCPF President, Phil Barber, worked tirelessly with City Manager Jeff Drobney and Parks and Recreation Director Steve Roberts.
“We want our park to be a shining example of what is possible when the community works together so that the kids can play together,” said Barber. “Building an inclusive playground shows how committed our park and our city is to being an open and welcoming place to live, work, and play.”
The Swift-Cantrell Park Foundation will contribute a sizable portion of the cost to build the playground to the City of Kennesaw.
“Our charity raises money all year through our Swift-Cantrell Classic 5k, partnership with Gas South, through our Amazon Smile account, and the generous support from the community,” remarks SCPF member, Lee Elliott. “Our job is to make sure the donations our supporters trust us with go to the most deserving projects. We could not think of a better park improvement than adding an inclusive play space.”
Gas South contributes a portion of sales from each Gas South customer located in the city of Kennesaw. To commit a portion of your Gas South bill to the Swift-Cantrell Park Foundation, sign up at www.gassouth.com/kennesaw and enter promo code 570. To donate directly to the Swift-Cantrell Park Foundation, click here.
Construction is slated for Fall 2019. View the renderings in the gallery below:
