Despite a drizzly rain Saturday, more than 350 people attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the official opening of Treehouse Community Park in Antioch.
Once the adults were done getting ready, the kids headed straight for the playground.
Equipment that doesn’t take rain into account.
The 6,600-square-foot space is unique in its ADA-compliant design and primary goal of accommodating children with disabilities.
After more than a year of planning and work, the Treetops Community Playground officially opened on Saturday. Its ADA-compliant design allows children with and without disabilities to use the playground’s equipment. (Northbridge Church/David Latz)
The project was spearheaded by Antioch Northbridge Church and funded entirely by individuals, civic groups, and several local businesses with a common goal: to make play accessible to all. No government funding was provided, and a non-profit organization was formed to make the project sustainable.
“Everyone who worked on this project was a volunteer,” said playground committee member Judy Berg. “After looking for other ways to build a playground and not succeeding, the church decided to donate the land, and the city was given the right to use it as well.”
“Antioch is proud to have the first handicap accessible playground in this area, here in our community. We’re grateful to our volunteers, donors, leaders and Northbridge Church for making the dream come true for children with and without disabilities,” Mayor Scott Gartner said at the event.
Two companies were involved in the playground equipment and design: Little Tikes and Unlimited Play. The playground equipment cost $230,000. The entire project was estimated to cost about $600,000.
“Children who use mobility devices are not left out,” Berg said. “We looked at what kids with sensory disabilities would be interested in and how we could create imaginative play. There are musical instruments like congas and xylophones and a variety of engaging panels that are easy for kids in wheelchairs to operate.”
The play area also features fun elements such as moving pieces to create fun faces. The rainy weather also allowed for testing of drainage tiles that were installed last month. Rubber safety pads have also been placed under the play equipment.
On the ground floor there are spinner wheels for children in wheelchairs to enjoy, and a special roller slide made of a series of tubes rather than flat metal was built to reduce static electricity for children with cochlear implants.
“The Rockin’ Glider looks like a boat and kids are put on a mobility device that moves back and forth,” Berg said. “It mimics the movement of the ocean, which experts said is an important sensation for kids to experience.”
A visitor to the newly opened Treetops Community Playground stands near the roller slide, where a series of tubes prevent static electricity from building up that can disturb children with cochlear implants. (Northbridge Church/David Latz)
The Quiet Zone is a shady, relaxing space for overstimulated children, and the ramp leading into the play area has tactile safety barriers, as well as Braille and sign language panels for children up to five years old.
“This park will allow the whole family to play together.”
Community member: “This park is a real game changer for parents with disabilities.
“Grandparents taking care of their grandchildren”
“Until I became involved with this playground, I never realized that play is not a spectator sport. The Treetops Community Playground gives Antioch children an opportunity to play together and appreciate each other’s differences,” said Project Manager Maryellen Zibell.
The playground, located at 18724 Route 173, is also included in the city’s highlights section for tourists.
“We wanted to pay tribute to kids with disabilities, and we also wanted adults with disabilities to play with them,” Berg said. “It’s all about building strong families.”