Inclusive Playground Construction Begins In Abington

ABINGTON TOWNSHIP, PA —The playground at Roychester Park will be closed starting Monday for the installation of an inclusive playground, township officials said.

The inclusive playground will be the first of its kind in the township, officials said.

The vision for the project was initiated by and advocated for several parents.

The playground will remain closed throughout construction, which is expected to be completed by September.

An inclusive playground incorporates physical, cognitive, social, sensory, and communicative elements to enhance the play of children who have different abilities and remove the barriers that limit their experiences.

At a July 2022 meeting, the Board of Commissioners approved awarding the proposal for consulting services for planning and design services needed for the construction of an inclusive park and playground to Engineering & Land Planning Associates, Inc.

The project was awarded to MECO Constructors, Inc. at the Feb. 8, 2024, commissioners meeting.

In terms of the inclusive playground:

• Physical elements offer opportunities from engaging hands and fingers for fine motor skills to using the entire body for agility and balance. These elements are also designed to enhance coordination and improve endurance.
• Cognitive elements present problem-solving that requires strategy to participate in successful play and benefits early childhood cognitive development.
• Social and communicative elements present scenarios for children to interact, exchange ideas and build relationships.
• The play environment allows verbal and non-verbal children to share their imaginations and creativity through cooperative play. Sensory elements include the sights, sounds, and feel of the playground.

These elements are the connections between the children and the play equipment, and they engage and strengthen visual, auditory, and tactile senses.

Click here for further information about the project