Kennesaw’s Inclusive Playground may be ready by Christmas

Additions will include a main play structure that features wheelchair-accessible ramps, sensory stations, an eight-person wheelchair we-go-round and a slide. (Rendering courtesy of Kennesaw)

Additions will include a main play structure that features wheelchair-accessible ramps, sensory stations, an eight-person wheelchair we-go-round and a slide. (Rendering courtesy of Kennesaw)

Construction is estimated to be completed by Christmas or early next year on Kennesaw’s new Inclusive Playground at Swift-Cantrell Park.

The groundbreaking ceremony was held Sept. 26.

Six proposals were received and opened on June 5 with bids ranging from $394,000 to $494,000. Based on the evaluation of the committee, the research of each company and proposal, the city’s Recreation Director Steve Roberts recommended awarding the contract to Playground Creations for $449,993.

His recommendation was approved 5-0 by the Council on Aug. 19.

Then members of the Swift-Cantrell Park Foundation - Therome James, Jennifer Hutch, Ann Pratt, Phil Bobo, Steve Welsh, Lee Elliott and Erika Orcutt - were thanked during that meeting.

This playground will add an additional 5,000 square feet of features to the already existing 13,500-square-foot playground at Swift-Cantrell Park.

The playground improvements also include removing the wood chips and installing turf to make the entire space accessible for all, according to a city statement.

“Today’s groundbreaking marks the next step in the city meeting the needs of the community,” said Kennesaw Mayor Derek Easterling. “The City of Kennesaw, through its engagement with area residents, recognized the need for an inclusive playground. It seems this is the right next step in adding to our already inclusive community.”

Easterling said, “A team of citizens from our city volunteered their time and effort, working side by side with city Parks and Recreation employees and members of the Swift-Cantrell Park Foundation to select the design, equipment and contractor to deliver the final product. When complete, this playground will play an important role in the socialization of children with disabilities and will offer both a positive and engaging environment where they can participate in play with all other children.

“What we do here today will serve not only the whole child in building their emotional well-being but will serve our community in building relationships and in developing social equity,” Easterling added.

“This playground is a perfect example of collaboration between the city of Kennesaw and its citizens,” Roberts said. “Our community wanted more inclusion, and our city administration listened and reacted. We are removing the barriers from this playground, making it completely accessible to every child.

“We are creating a space that invites all children to want to play and interact with each other. I am so thankful to be a part of this project and part of this city. I appreciate everyone who helped on the playground committee, the Swift-Cantrell Foundation and our city administration,” Roberts added.

The current playground features nine slides, 11 swings and a main play structure that has 100 feet of American Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant ramps and sensory boards.

Additions will include a main play structure that features wheelchair-accessible ramps, sensory stations, an eight-person wheelchair we-go-round and a slide.

Information: InclusivePlaygrounds.net