Community Center Park inclusive playground design

The experiences and feedback of community members like Marcella Twamley informed the new inclusive playground design, which was developed by Barrs Recreation. Twamley is the mother of two children who will benefit from the new design. She’s so passionate about this need, she became chair of the Town’s Parks, Greenways, and Recreation Commission to help push this work forward.

“Our parks are constructed for typically developing children and usually have many barriers to play for our disabled children,” said Twamley. “Inclusive places are so important to the health and wellness of all our disabled community members.”

The playground design includes Burke playground equipment that’s accessible to children with a variety of abilities. The features create a welcoming sensory environment, and improve motor and cognitive skills. The design also promotes the development of social and emotional skills.

Background

In a report derived from public input and a feasibility study conducted from November 2022 through March 2023, data and information has been collected to better serve this phase in developing an Inclusive Playground at the Chapel Hill Community Center.  See our Feasibility Study project update page for details.

Community Center Park inclusive playground design renderings:

Funding

The Town Council approved $785,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for adding inclusive elements to our playgrounds and additional dollars for making the Community Center Park playground inclusive. 

• $500,000 for Inclusive Playground Equipment at the Chapel Hill Community Center Playground

• $285,000 for System-wide Playground Accessibility upgrades for existing playgrounds

We have yet to receive funding specifically for the design and construction of any new splash pad facilities.

As part of the approved 2023-24 operating budget, the Town Council established a Penny for Parks Fund which will provide $971,000 for Parks and Recreation's Capital Improvement Project budget to support maintenance and expansion of our parks and facilities in the future.

Public Engagement Listening Meetings

We're pleased to announce that Barrs Recreation Playground Equipment, a leading provider of accessible playground equipment, will be joining us for the public listening sessions. Their team will be on hand to showcase the latest in inclusive playground equipment and answer any questions.

There were multiple public listening sessions:

• Sunday, February 11, 2024, 12 - 2 pm
  Chapel Hill Public Library, Room B, 100 Library Drive, Chapel Hill, NC
  
  
• Thursday, February 15, 2024, 6 - 8 pm
  Chapel Hill Community Center Meeting Room, 120 S Estes Drive, Chapel Hill, NC