Milford Park Promotes Inclusivity With New ADA-compliant Structures

MILFORD, MA — A park in Milford is now promoting inclusivity with its new play structures.

The Milford Commission on Disability partnered with the Milford Recreation Department to install ADA-compliant sensory play equipment at Milford Town Park, at 104 Spruce St. The new structures are designed to benefit children of all abilities by engaging their senses to support the development of motor skills, coordination, and cognitive function.

The structures, installed by New England-based commercial playground construction company Ultiplay, in December, are brightly colored, sturdy, weather-resistant, and fully accessible to wheelchair users and other mobility device users. That includes Harmony Flowers, Harmony Bells, a Flower Petal Drum, Rainbow Chimes, and Rainbow Bongos.

“These brightly colored instruments are designed for outdoor use and are easy to play, adaptable, and inclusive for children and adults of varying abilities," Susan Albanese, a member of the Milford Commission on Disability, told Patch.

Albanese visited the park, which was renovated in June, and was disappointed to find that the project lacked additional accessible playground equipment.

Albanese told Patch that after her visit, she contacted Jim Asam, Director of the Parks Department, to ask about the lack of ADA-compliant structures. He said there had been plans for an accessible playground, but the estimated cost was $320,000, and the town was unable to secure the necessary funding, according to Albanese.

From there, the Commission on Disability discussed it at their next meeting and agreed to explore whether they could contribute funds to support additional upgrades.

In September, Asam attended a meeting to present three design options from Ultiplay, which included ADA-compliant musical and sensor structures for the Town Park.

Ultimately, the committee voted to donate $10,000 from the Handicap Funds 22G account, which is designed to improve accessibility for people with disabilities. The Parks and Recreation Department matched that contribution.

The new updates were finally complete in December. “By promoting inclusivity, this playground is now accessible to all children regardless of their abilities and will enhance the lives of the entire Milford community,” Albanese told Patch.

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