Arlington families gathered on Saturday, Nov. 16 to celebrate the grand opening of the City's new ability-inclusive playground during the Meadowbrook Centennial Celebration at Meadowbrook Park. The free event featured carnival rides, face painting, live performances, and the highly anticipated ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new playground, which was made possible by a generous $500,000 grant from the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation.

The playground, designed to accommodate children of all abilities, marks a major milestone in Arlington's ongoing efforts to create accessible, inclusive spaces for its residents.

“This is a totally inclusive playground, and that’s our objective here in Arlington to make this a home for everybody,” said Arlington Mayor Jim Ross. “This park really helps move us in the right direction.”

The playground features a range of accessible play elements, including smooth, wheelchair-friendly surfaces, accessible musical instruments, a merry-go-round that accommodates wheelchairs, and climbing structures designed for children with mobility challenges. Other unique features include a sensory area where children can engage with bells, rings, and other tactile elements, offering sensory-rich experiences for all.

“I think it’s amazing. It’s very, very huge. There are a lot of activities to do. I like how big it is for different age groups. There’s climbing, and there’s even something for special needs children. I like that they have that option for them.” Share Lyly Hguyen, a mother attending the event with her child.

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."

The Meadowbrook Centennial Celebration also featured the unveiling of the new sculpture in the Meadowbrook Park sculpture garden. 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.”

 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.