Meadowbrook Centennial Celebration This Saturday Features Family-Friendly Events, Opening of City’s New Inclusive Playground

By Cynthia Lemus, Office of Communications

Posted on November 11, 2024, November 11, 2024

Arlington residents are invited to the free Meadowbrook Centennial Celebration this Saturday to enjoy carnival rides, face painting, live entertainment and the opening of the City’s first inclusive playground.

The community event is scheduled from noon to 6 p.m. Nov. 16, 2024, Meadowbrook Park, 1300 E. Dugan St. The Meadowbrook Centennial Celebration not only marks 100 years of Parks and Recreation in Arlington, but it also highlights the City's commitment to creating inclusive spaces for all residents. The new playground, which the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation contributed a $500,000 grant toward, is designed to meet the needs of children of all abilities, ensuring that everyone in the community can enjoy a safe and engaging outdoor space.

"We are most excited about providing access for families and, in turn, improving the quality of life for all of Arlington," said Monique Jaquay, Community Events Coordinator for the Parks and Recreation Department at the City of Arlington. "This is a huge step toward inclusivity, and we are looking forward to future park developments that continue to serve everyone in our community."

To start the day, Arlington Parks & Recreation is offering free green fees and entry to the Centennial Celebration tournament at the Meadowbrook Park Golf Course. The format is 4 Club Tournament. Register in the Golf Shop or by calling 817-275-0221. Free footgolf will be offered after the tournament.

The playground ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at 12 p.m. with remarks from Arlington Mayor Jim Ross, Parks and Recreation representatives, and other dignitaries. The ceremony will also feature the unveiling of the new sculpture in the Meadowbrook Park sculpture garden at 12:30 p.m. The bronze deer is called "A Change in Direction" by artist Darrell Davis and was provided by the nonprofit Arlington Sculpture Garden Foundation. This is the eighth sculpture at the sculpture garden, and it represents forging a new path. Click here to read about “A Change in Direction.”

Following the formal program, the community celebration will begin at 1 p.m., offering free carnival rides, face painting, live entertainment, and performances from more than 12 Arlington Independent School District student performance groups.

The event will be an opportunity for Arlington residents to enjoy the new inclusive playground and celebrate the City’s efforts to ensure that all children, regardless of ability, have access to play, recreation and socialization amongst others.

The new inclusive playground features a range of accessible play elements designed to serve children of all abilities. Key features include:

• Poured-in-place rubber surfacing throughout the playground, providing a smooth, level surface that is fully wheelchair accessible and ideal for children using mobility aids.
• Chill Spinner: Allows children with mobility challenges to experience the thrill of spinning with a belted seat set at an easy transfer height for those using wheelchairs.
• Cozy Domes: Sensory and emotional spaces designed for children to retreat and relax in a safe, calming environment.
• Rhapsody Tongue Drums and Rhapsody Vibra Chimes: Accessible musical instruments that provide sensory-rich experiences for all children, can be accessed by wheelchairs.
• We-Go-Round: A fully inclusive merry-go-round where children in wheelchairs can roll in, be securely positioned, and enjoy spinning with their peers.
• Friendship Swing: Designed for easy transfer from a wheelchair, allowing children with mobility challenges to swing alongside their friends.
• Accessible chair swings: Ensures that all children can enjoy the fun and freedom of swinging.
• Zip Line (KidKrooz): Features two tracks - one for able-bodied children and the other equipped with an accessible chair for easy transfer from a wheelchair.
• Climbing Hill: Children can be transferred to the top of the hill to enjoy the slide down, making sure everyone can experience this fun element.

"We want to convey that we are sincere in our commitment to provide equal access to all people in Arlington," Jaquay said. "This playground is just one step toward a more inclusive future for our city."

Looking ahead, the Parks and Recreation team is already preparing for a busy 2025, including the MLK Day of Service Festival on Jan. 20 and the 23rd Annual Sweetheart Dance on Feb. 15 at the Bob Duncan Center. Both events will offer family-friendly activities, live entertainment, and an opportunity to celebrate the community spirit of Arlington.