Danny Moran smiled shyly at the group gathered outside the Third and Spruce streets recreation center.
Then with a little help from his father, Mayor Eddie Moran, and City Council President Donna Reed, Danny snipped the bright red ribbon Monday, officially opening the city’s newest all-abilities playground.
Danny, who has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, is the inspiration behind the mayor’s efforts to remodel city playgrounds to accommodate children with special needs.
“I’m sure this doesn’t need to be said, how emotional it is for me today, when it comes to talking about children of all abilities,” Moran said with tears moistening his eyes. “So please stand with me as I tried to hold off my emotions.”
Seeing how his son navigates the world with the unique perspective of a person on the autism spectrum, the mayor said, helped confirm his dedication to creating a city that embraces every resident, regardless of their abilities.
“Having an all-abilities park for all children to play like any other individual is special to me,” Moran said. “And I thank each and every individual that made this possible.”
While the playgrounds at City Park, Baer Park and others provide some inclusive-play features, the Third and Spruce streets playground is the city’s first built specifically to accommodate children of all abilities.
“This playground symbolizes the unity and shared joy of play,” the mayor said. “Swings, slides, a rock wall, climbers and various game features foster interaction among children of all different abilities.”
Designed with multiple levels of play, including wheelchair-accessible platforms, the equipment offers fun and challenging activities for children of varying abilities.
To meet safety requirements, the city used a durable poured-in-place safety surface.
Colors and shapes incorporated into the recycled-rubber surface are reminiscent of the puzzle-pieces symbol adopted by the Autism Society of America to represent the diversity of individuals with autism.
The $479,600 project was funded by a $250,000 state grant and $150,000 in Community Development block grant money with the balance paid by the city’s capital improvement fund.
“This playground situated on what was once vacant land is a testament to our commitment to inclusivity in a public spaces,” Moran said.
Source: Berkshire mont