The Hall County Board of Commissioners approved Thursday, Oct. 24, the purchase of inclusive playground equipment to be installed at Laurel Park.
The proposed 4,400-square-foot playground will be constructed on an existing playground footprint that was previously torn down at the park. The playground was designed by Playground Creations of Atlanta, and will feature state-of-the-art equipment and designs, including bonded rubber mulch surfacing for easy wheelchair accessibility.
“An all-inclusive playground will be a great addition to our park inventory to ensure children of all mobility and ability levels have a safe and fun place to play,” Director of Hall County Parks and Community Services Brent Holloway said. “We have worked closely with ‘Hope For Hall,’ which has contributed its expertise in helping the County choose equipment that is both suitable and popular among children. We are grateful for our partnership with the organization and hope to continue collaborating in the future.”
Local non-profit Hope for Hall aims to normalize disability through play, education and technology. The organization has also worked closely with the Hall County School System to install inclusive playground equipment at Wauka Mountain and Sandra Dunagan Deal Elementary Schools. The group is currently fundraising for playground equipment at Lyman Hall Elementary.
“It has been an honor to work with the County and lend our expertise on inclusive playgrounds for this project,” Caroline Filchak, the founder of Hope For Hall, said in a release. “We have been encouraged by the heart of the Hall County Parks and Leisure department to create a space where every child, regardless of ability, feels a sense of belonging and can play alongside friends. We applaud Hall County Parks and Leisure on their first inclusive playground and for being community leaders who champion inclusive play for all children in Hall County.”
A release from the Hall County government emphasized the project is in the early stages, but a tentative schedule aims to have the playground open to the public by Memorial Day.
This project is budgeted for $334,395.50 and is funded using impact fees.
