Inclusive Playground Coming to Greenwood
The city of Greenwood will begin construction on a new inclusive playground during the first quarter of 2025. Currently, families in Greenwood and other Sebastian County communities must drive to Fort Smith to access playgrounds designed for children with disabilities.
The idea for the playground originated from a question Greenwood Parks Director Casey Craig posed on the City’s Parks and Recreation Facebook page in May 2022. His department had been allocated land in the Heartsill Meadow area, and he sought input on how best to use the property. He asked, “Where is the park falling short in meeting your needs?” The overwhelming response was the absence of an inclusive playground.
Casey was surprised by the volume of feedback and took it as a mandate to build an inclusive playground for Greenwood. He began researching the requirements for such a project but quickly realized the scope was too large for him and the Parks Department to tackle alone. He reached out to those who had suggested the playground and invited them to join a committee to help make the dream a reality.
The resulting team brought together a diverse array of expertise, including occupational therapists, paraprofessionals, marketing specialists, bus drivers, and teachers. Casey felt the committee represented the community well.
Several committee members had children with special needs and understood firsthand the importance of inclusive play. They recognized that activities like swinging, sliding, and climbing are essential for physical, emotional, mental, and social development for all children, especially those with disabilities. Play is therapy—both physical and emotional.
Angela Carpenter Remier took on the role of committee moderator. With sixteen years of experience as a special education teacher, she was well-suited for the position. She was driven to create not just an inclusive playground for Greenwood, but “a destination where Sebastian County parents can bring all their kids to play together.”
The project gained significant momentum when Casey partnered with Unlimited Play (UP), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that specializes in designing and building fully accessible playgrounds. Since its founding in 2003, Unlimited Play has developed nearly ninety inclusive playgrounds across the country.
Natalie Mackay, the founder of Unlimited Play, has a personal connection to the cause. Her son’s disabilities confined him to a wheelchair, and she knew the pain of watching him sit on the sidelines while other children played. When she finally found an inclusive playground for him, she saw how transformative it was for his ability to interact and socialize with peers.
MAKING THE DREAM A REALITY
French playwright Molière once wrote, “It is a long road from conception to completion.” Casey Craig would likely agree. But thanks to the committee’s hard work, progress is evident. By mid-2023, the Greenwood Adaptive Playground Project (GAPP) had a detailed plan and active fundraising campaigns.
The Greenwood community has rallied around the project. Farmers Bank made a substantial $100,000 donation, contributing to the estimated $975,139 cost for the playground—or $1.2 million with bathrooms and pavilions included. Other donors, including Prime Acres, Premier Pediatrics, and the Fort Smith Elks Club, have also stepped up. Geno’s Pizza has regularly donated a portion of its sales on designated days. GAPP has organized outdoor fundraising events, complete with attractions like the Title Town Dunk Tank, where participants could dunk Mayor Doug Kinslow and other community members.
Support hasn’t only come in the form of money. Steve Beam Construction Company has donated materials and labor for the concrete work, while other local businesses have pledged resources for stump removal and ground excavation.
Unlimited Play’s involvement has been pivotal. Their expertise ensured the park would go beyond meeting Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, which often fall short of true inclusivity. Unlimited Play designs playgrounds where all children, regardless of ability, can interact and play together.
Take the Roller Slide, for example. This open chute slide is made of cylindrical rollers that provide a unique tactile experience, particularly beneficial for children with sensory processing issues. Another standout feature is the Mirage Seat, which includes a supportive backrest and a four-point harness, allowing children to play safely and confidently.
The collaboration between GAPP, Greenwood Parks, and Unlimited Play will result in a park that accommodates children and adults with disabilities. Its inclusive design could serve as a model for other communities.
Although the park’s completion is on the horizon, more work remains. Donations can be made at unlimitedplay.org. Contributions over $1,000 or sponsorship of playground equipment will be recognized on a donor plaque at the park’s entrance.
As the African proverb says, “It takes a village to raise a child.” In this case, the Greenwood community is creating a space where all children can play and grow together.
For updates on progress and fundraising events, follow the Greenwood Adaptive Playground Project on Facebook and learn more at unlimitedplay.org/playground/greenwood-inclusive-playground.
words BOB ROBINSON // images CASEY CRAIG, GREENWOOD PARKS DIRECTOR
