CHAMBERSBURG—Borough of Chambersburg officials recently hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the new inclusive play equipment at Memorial Park.
The playground now includes two new pieces—a swing and merry-go-round—that don’t require wheelchair transfer, filling a need for all-inclusive amenities that allow children of all abilities to play together.
The new inclusive play equipment will make Memorial Park the first park in Franklin County to offer all-inclusive park and recreational amenities, including the first in Pennsylvania to install the We-Go Swing and the fourth to install the We-Go Round.
The new equipment was funded by a state DCNR grant.
“We are thrilled to see this project brought to completion and are very grateful to our state and local officials for their support throughout the project,” said Julie Redding, superintendent of recreation for the borough. “It is essential that children and visitors of all abilities have ample opportunities to play both independently and together at community parks. This not only provides numerous benefits for motor, cognitive, and social skills, it also establishes a foundation for children of all abilities as they grow, promoting inclusion and acceptance.”
“This project is a great example of everyone working together for the betterment of their community,” added Borough Manager Jeffrey Stonehill. “The new inclusive equipment gives this park the ability to meet the needs of the entire community, including our residents with disabilities.”
Before this addition, the nearest all-inclusive playground for residents was Hadley’s Park in Potomac, Maryland.
