Swift-Cantrell Park Upper Playground To Become Fully Inclusive

KENNESAW, GA — The City of Kennesaw & Kennesaw Parks & Recreation will soon be renovating the upper playground at Swift-Cantrell Park to a fully inclusive playground.

The current playground features nine slides, 11 swings and a main play structure that has 100 feet of ADA ramps and sensory boards. Swift-Cantrell Park serves as one of the premier recreation, relaxation and central gathering places for area residents. Park hours of operation are from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. The park is located at 3140 Old 41 Highway in Kennesaw.

At 42 acres, the City of Kennesaw’s largest community park features:

• Two age-appropriate playgrounds
• Three picnic pavilions
• Open turf for passive recreation
• One mile perimeter asphalt trail
• Half mile inner-loop asphalt trail
• Splash pad
• Dog park
• Lighted skatepark
• Fitness station
• Wi-Fi hotspot

The additions will include four play structures to approximately 5,000 square feet that is currently unused. This will include a main play structure that has wheelchair accessible ramps that lead to a ropes tower, sensory stations, an eight person wheelchair sway fun and a slide. The ramp system will also lead to pod climbers, a tunnel system and climbing apparatuses. The main play structure has 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.

This will be one of the largest Inclusive Playgrounds in the state.

In early 2014, the City of Kennesaw, along with the assistance of a team of professional consultants from GreenRock Partners, LLC, conducted a thorough review of the park’s Master Plan that was developed in 2006, which led to construction of the facilities in place today. The purpose of the review was to evaluate the park’s existing features, uses and opportunities, and determine what changes (if any) would best serve the community’s needs. After forming a steering committee of citizen stakeholders, soliciting input via public meetings and surveys, and reviewing evaluative data, an updated Master Plan was proposed and adopted by the Kennesaw City Council on July 21, 2014. Click here to view the Master Plan.