Support Our Youth and Families December 2024 | Page 2

CITY OF ARLINGTON UNVEILS INCLUSIVE PLAYGROUND AT MEADOWBROOK PARK

Arlington families gathered on Saturday , Nov . 16 to celebrate the grand opening of the City ’ s new inclusive playground during the Meadowbrook Centennial Celebration at Meadowbrook Park . The free event featured carnival rides , face painting , live performances , and the highly anticipated ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new playground , which was made possible by a generous $ 500,000 grant from the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation .
The playground , designed to accommodate children of all abilities , marks a major milestone in Arlington ’ s ongoing efforts to create accessible , inclusive spaces for its residents .
“ This is a totally inclusive playground , and that ’ s our objective here in Arlington : to make this a home for everybody ,” said Arlington Mayor Jim Ross . “ This park really helps move us in the right direction .”
The playground features a range of accessible play elements , including smooth , wheelchair-friendly surfaces , accessible musical instruments , a merry-go-round that accommodates wheelchairs , and climbing structures designed for children with mobility challenges . Other unique features include a sensory area where children can engage with bells , rings , and other tactile elements , offering sensory-rich experiences for all .