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Playground equipment created for children of all abilities

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Joshua Eikren
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Construction was recently completed on Warrior Park, with additions to make the area more accessible for children of all ages, as well as those with disabilities.

The changes were concluded with a ribbon cutting June 10 by Col. Kyle Kremer, 375th Air Mobility Wing Commander, to open the park's new additions for families at Scott.

Brenda Reed, 375th Force Support Squadron Exceptional Family Member Program Support Specialist, said, "Our goal is to make the community playground more accessible. Its primary intention is to help children with disabilities get access to the playground a little easier."

A sidewalk was poured that leads from the parking lot to the pavilion and the entrance to the newly renovated playground.

"Before you had to go through the grass or mud to get to it," said Reed. "Now we've looked to incorporate natural elements like a smooth walking path so it's more wheelchair accessible."

Some of the new additions are also geared toward younger children, like building blocks and musical activities. While there is still standard playground equipment that older children can use, the playground now offers a little bit of something for everyone.

Nikki Sanabia, a military spouse, said, "We came out to see the park, and love the size of the different play structures. My daughter is a part of the EFMP, so this equipment that caters to smaller kids like her is wonderful."

The new equipment is intended for everyone to use and is meant to help children who aren't able to use traditional playground equipment.

"We feel very well taken care of and heard through the EFMP," said Sanabia. "Having children of all different abilities I would highly recommend this park because it's open so you can always see them and help them if they need it."

Reed hopes these changes bring families together to enjoy what Warrior Park has to offer.

"With Warrior Park being a place where events like the base picnic are held, and having the softball fields, it makes sense to bring everything together as families come to hang out at the pavilion and now they have a few more activities," said Reed. "The proximity of having everything together will make this a community park that continues to grow."