Boston Globe: Boston builds a playground for ALL its kids
Posted by Erica Noonan, Globe West May 21, 2009
Just in time for the summer, Boston will christen a new all-access playground today at Haramabee Park in Dorchester.
The Harambee Boundless park is one of a small, but growing, group of playparks that are designed to be just as fun for kids with limited mobility and/or wheelchairs.
The new parks -- there are several around the state -- have easier-to-navigate surfaces, so that even kids who don't climb easily can get to the elevated parts. They also offer swings with better back support, waist-high sand tables, and better communal spaces where kids of all levels can gather to play side-by-side.
Mayor Thomas Menino is scheduled to turn out for the 11 a.m. event, along with local families and the folks from CVS Caremark's All Kids Can program which donated $250,000 to the project.
There are already similar all-access playgrounds in Waltham, Fairhaven Pittsfield, New Bedford, Longmeadow and West Dennis. Parents in Sudbury are in the process of building one now.
While we're on the topic, here's a another list of fun universal access parks, trails and sports activities for kids (and adults) of all abilities from the state's Department of Conservation and Recreation.
Got other tips for good spots or fun stuff for differently-abled kids? Leave us a comment here at Moms Are Talking About or email me at enoonan@globe.com
