City of Kennesaw children with disabilities now have a playground that will cater to their needs.

The city on Thursday celebrated the opening of its inclusive playground at Swift-Cantrell Park. The old setup had nine slides, 11 swings and a play structure that included an Americans With Disabilities-compliant ramp and sensory boards.

According to the city, the new playground now has four structures on about 5,000 square feet of land that was not in use. It includes a main play structure area with wheelchair accessible ramps, rope towers, sensory stations, a slide and an eight-person wheelchair sway fun.

RELATED: Kennesaw to pay $450K to renovate playground equipment at park

A ramp system leads children to pod climbers, a tunnel system and climbing apparatuses. The playground’s main structure also has 40 feet of shade. Crews also removed wood chips and installed turf to make the 18,500-square-foot space more accessible to everyone.

Kennesaw Mayor Derek Easterling said the city recognized a desire from the community for an inclusive playground. This new addition to Swift-Cantrell Park, he said, will “play an important role in socializing children with disabilities” in a positive environment.

City of Kennesaw leaders cut the ribbon on the new inclusive playground at Swift-Cantrell Park.

Credit: City of Kennesaw

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Credit: City of Kennesaw

“This playground will serve not only the emotional and mental well-being of children with disabilities, it will serve our community in developing social equality and positive relationships in the area,” he said.

Kennesaw City Council members in August approved a contract with Playground Creations to renovate the playground for $449,933.

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