Phoenixville Cuts Ribbon On All-Abilities Playground

PHOENIXVILLE, PA — The all-abilities playground in Reeves Park, a much anticipated community project and effort involving contributions from hundreds of residents and dozens of community organizations, has officially opened.

The new playground will be used by children and adults of all ages and abilities, including those with physical and sensory challenges, according to organizers.

The project, organized by Phoenixville Jaycees and Phoenixville Kiwanis, has been planned for years.

"We braved the cold for a worthy cause!" State Rep. Melissa Shusterman (D-Chester), who attended the ribbon cutting, shared after the event. "I am so happy to announce that Phoenixville's first all-abilities playground is officially open. Spaces designed with the abilities of ALL children in mind need to be a priority as we move Pennsylvania forward."

During spring 2018, the project was awarded a $25,000 state grant. It also received contributions of $50,000 or more from numerous grants, including the Chester County Municipal Grant Program, the DCED Keystone Communities Program Grant, and the PA Greenways, Trails, and Recreation Program Grant.

Numerous borough organizations contributed funding, as well as hundreds of members of the community.

Some of the playground's features include:

• Rubberized safety base
• Separate play sections for 2 to 5 year olds and older children
• Unisex, handicapped-accessible bathrooms in the bandshell, replacing existing bathrooms; accessible during park hours from April to October
• Signage, fencing, bike racks, trash receptacles, and other landscaping features