Elmhurst Park District Makes Plans for the Playground for Everyone

Submitted by the Elmhurst Park District.

Imagine a playground where every child can participate in all elements of the design. A place where children of all abilities can play and socialize; fostering friendships and understanding through play.

For many children with disabilities this may represent the only place where they can swing, slide, climb and play side-by-side with friends and peers without having to abandon their usual means of mobility.

With this in mind, the Elmhurst Park District is in the planning stages for The Playground for Everyone. The playground will feature safe, state-of-the-art structures that encourage play for children with developmental disabilities such as autism, Down syndrome and cerebral palsy, as well as children with mobility challenges. Key elements of the design will include sensory-stimulating activities, ground-level play, sliding, spinning and climbing features, safety surfacing and accessibility to nearly every feature of the playground.

Speaking about the playground, Elmhurst Park District Executive Director Jim Rogers said, “I believe that the Playground for Everyone will be an important addition to the District’s offerings to the community,” adding that he is “thrilled about the possibility of building the first playground in Elmhurst that is fully accessible for all, regardless of ability.”

Nearly every year, the Elmhurst Park District renovates one of its 18 existing playgrounds. Butterfield Park Playground is due for renovation in 2016, and presents the ideal location for The Playground for Everyone due to its size, ample parking, accessible restrooms and large geographic draw.

While the Elmhurst Park District budgets nearly $300,000 from taxes and revenue for the construction of a typical playground, the cost of the Playground for Everyone is likely to approach $550,000. The District is working to make this project a reality with the help of founding partners Special Kids Day, People for Elmhurst Parks Foundation and the Elmhurst Kiwanis Club. The District is also reaching out to community partners and friends of the District for additional support to make this playground possible.

The Playground for Everyone would be one of a limited number of such playgrounds in the area, making it a destination for families in surrounding communities. This project is planned for fall 2016. More information is available online at epd.org/butterfield-park-project. To support the project or request a speaker, please contact Ginger Wade, Director of Marketing & Communications, Elmhurst Park District, (630) 993-8923 or gwade@epd.org.