DELAWARE, Ohio (WCMH) -- An exciting addition is in the works at Delaware State Park to make outdoor fun accessible to children of all abilities.
Delaware County continues to grow at a rapid pace and because of this, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources has identified a need for a top-notch outdoor space to make kids in the whole area feel welcome.
The sign is already up and construction is underway on the first-ever inclusive playground at a Delaware County State Park.
According to ODNR Director Mary Mertz, they're thrilled to add an accessible space for kids to play and explore.
"One of the most important things is what's on the ground," Mertz said. "So, there's a surface on the ground that people who are mobility challenged or maybe have fall hazards or that kind of thing, it's a soft surface that you can roll mobility access on."
The ice hockey, Blue Jackets-themed playground includes a model of the team's mascot Stinger that visitors can climb, along with sensory equipment and inclusive swings. A wide slide is also already built, eager to welcome children in a few months.
"That's so somebody can have a buddy go down the slide with them," Mertz said. "And that really will open that up to a lot more kids."
According to Mertz, while the playground at Delaware State Park supports ODNR's goal of creating a more inclusive future for Ohio's state parks, it's meant for all.
"Kids have brothers and sisters, and they want to play at the same place," Mertz said. "They both want to be able to enjoy, like a whole group of kids wants to be able to enjoy it and so it should be a lot of fun for kids with and without challenges."
An ADA-compliant restroom is being built right next to the playground, and sidewalks are being added to ensure ease of access for all visitors.
"Delaware is so fast-growing," Mertz said. "That's why we've put a real emphasis on both of our parks up there, as well as with Intel coming. We want to be prepared in central Ohio to welcome everyone to come here and have a great experience."
The playground is thanks to funding through the Ohio State Parks Foundation which includes a $250,000 grant from the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation, alongside generous contributions from the Delaware County Board of Developmental Disabilities through grant funding from the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities, Perry's Ice Cream, and CSX.
"In many ways, we consider state parks the gateway to Ohio's great outdoors, and we want this gateway to be wide enough to include everybody," Mertz said.
This is the 14th playground funded by the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation in central Ohio, and the first built in partnership with the Ohio State Parks Foundation.
"We are thrilled," Mertz said. "The park is there for the community. The park is also there to bring people from all across the state and from other states, we hope, too. It's a part of a real important tourism initiative in Ohio, but that community, I hope they'll be able to use it every day."
Construction is slated to be complete by spring.
