The city of Greenville celebrated the grand opening of its first inclusive playground Sept. 29.
Children of all abilities can now play at Brooks’ Playground in Cleveland Park. The 10,640-square-foot playground features wheelchair-friendly and sensory-engaging play equipment for children 6 months to 13 years old and above. Approximately 85% of the playground is shaded.
“This playground is about more than slides and swings, it’s about creating a truly inclusive space where children can learn, grow and play together,” said Greenville City Councilmember Ken Gibson.
The city of Greenville celebrated the grand opening of Brooks’ Playground, the city’s first inclusive playground located at Cleveland Park, on Sept. 29.Paul and Reagin Foster spearheaded the creation of the city’s first inclusive playground. The playground was named in honor of their daughter, Brooks, who has a rare condition called Pontine Tegmental Cap Dysplasia. Reagin Foster said Brooks’ Playground was a passion project for their family.
“We hope that all people come and enjoy this park and we pray they find joy here and laughter and can just be children and enjoy playing,” Reagin Foster said.
Brooks’ Playground was funded through a public-private partnership. Greenville Mayor Knox White said the city contributed $2.3 million to the project. Nearly $1.4 million was raised for the playground from individual donations, corporate contributions and grant funding.
Greenville Mayor Knox White spoke at the grand opening celebration.“Partnerships like these allow us to create lasting, meaningful spaces to benefit Greenville for generations to come,” White said.
In addition to the playground, other upgrades were made to Cleveland Park as part of the project. Renovations included adding expanded ADA parking and accessible pathways, a new restroom with three family restrooms, a wheelchair charging station, shaded seating, a large green space, two new picnic shelters and two sand volleyball courts.
