Inclusive playground in Modesto is one step closer to goal. Here’s what the project needs
The state of California has awarded Modesto $400,000 in funding to go toward Beyer Community Park’s The Awesome Spot, an inclusive playground that broke ground more than a year ago.
This brings the project, which had a goal to open spring of this year, to 75% of its fundraising goal, according to the city.
“We are thrilled about this grant, and are so excited for the continued progress within the playground,” said Modesto mother Rachel Loredo, who spearheaded the project. “We can’t wait for the day our community can come together and play without any limitations.”
Here’s what features the playground will have, and which ones still need to be funded before construction can be completed:
The Awesome Spot reaches 75% of its goal
The nearly two-acre playground is about a $5 million project, landscape architect Chad Kennedy previously told The Bee. With the funding from the state, The Awesome Spot needs another $1.25 million to reach its fundraising goal.
Loredo said during the July 2022 groundbreaking event that The Awesome Spot will open when fully completed, not in phases.
Features that still need sponsors, according to The Awesome Spot’s website, include:
- Playground name- $500,000
- Rain Forest Excursion- $250,000
- Savanna Safari- $200,000
- Swamp Cruiser- $150,000
Modesto residents dream of an Awesome Spot
The Loredo family was inspired to bring an inclusive playground to Modesto after visiting a similar one in Palo Alto with son Tommy, who was born with arthrogryposis, or contractures that limit joint movement.
“The Awesome Spot Playground will be a unique feature for the residents and guests of Modesto providing a safe and enjoyable place for all children, regardless of physical, mental or emotional ability to play and to just be children,” Modesto Mayor Sue Zwahlen said in a statement.
An inclusive playground goes beyond wheelchair access or minimum ADA accessibility standards, the city said in a news release.
In past Bee reporting, Kennedy has given examples of some of the playground’s features:
- A water-play feature where children can open and shut gates to manipulate the flow.
- A social play station with different levels so children using wheelchairs and walkers can join in the fun with able-bodied peers.
- Drums and xylophones that provide auditory and tactile stimulation.
- Rockers designed like dirt bikes, and a stationary jeep vehicle with an open back so kids can roll on in wheelchairs.
- A swaying “boat” children can enter by foot or wheelchair. Near it is a sitting/climbing feature that looks like a crocodile.
- A “sensory perch,” where children can climb or sit at various levels depending on their abilities. It encourages creative play by letting children pretend they’re little birds in a big cage.
This story was originally published August 4, 2023 at 12:43 PM.
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