DENVER (KDVR) — A first-of-its-kind playground designed to welcome children of all abilities is now open in Winter Park.
Winter Park is known for its legacy in adaptive sports, particularly skiing. In 1970, Winter Park Ski School taught 23 amputees from Children’s Hospital Colorado how to ski. This led to the founding of the National Sports Center for the Disabled, which offers year-round adaptive outdoor experiences today.
Now, there is a new accessible space where people of all abilities can play outside, a first of its kind, according to a press release from Koelbel and Company.
The new play space at Idlewild Park features inclusive equipment, sensory-friendly zones and wheelchair accessible pathways, features that would typically add cost to playground builds but are essential for equitable access, according to a press release.
The nature-themed playground was developed through a partnership with the town of Winter Park, the National Sports Center for the Disabled and Rendezvous Colorado.
Rendezvous Colorado came to the NSCD with the idea two years ago, and they helped to design the space to make sure it is accessible and inclusive.
“We believe in providing opportunities for our participants and families to enjoy shared experiences on and off the mountain in Grand County,” said Julie Taulman, President and CEO of NSCD. “This playground is an opportunity to once again level the playing field for people with a disability.”
The ribbon cutting ceremony happened Friday afternoon and the park is now open at Idlewild Park. The space also features a small sledding hill, a fire pit area, picnic tables and a play field.
Anthony Sutton is a business strategist and writer with a passion for management, leadership, and entrepreneurship. With years of experience in the corporate world, he shares insights on business growth, strategy, and innovation through management-opleiding.org.
