Groundbreaking Set Friday On Pasco's 1st Inclusive Playground

LUTZ, FL — Pasco County is breaking down barriers and encouraging children to play together - no matter what their abilities might be.

Pasco County will break ground on the county's first universally inclusive playground Friday, Sept. 20 at 10 a.m. at Wesley Chapel District Park, 7727 Boyette Road, Wesley Chapel.

The nearly 7,000-square-foot facility is designed to meet the needs of all children, including those with disabilities and mobility issues.

In a public-private partnership, the county is contributing about $215,000 for the park and LNR Homes, the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel and Advent Health Wesley Chapel are donating a combined $125,000 for the playground.

GameTime built this inclusive playground at James Brown Park in Dalton, Georgia.

“Parks like this are crucial to making all children feel included in their communities, something every parent knows is vital to a happy, healthy child,” said Pasco County Commissioner Mike Moore, a father of three who broached his fellow commissioners about building the park. “This playground will provide kids with a safe opportunity to learn, play and grow with their peers.”

Of every 1,000 people age 3 to 21, approximately 85 have special needs and almost half of that group have cognitive disabilities, according to Moore. The Pasco County School District currently has more than 16,000 students with special needs.

Moore said he has no doubt that the playground will get a lot of use.

The park is being designed and constructed by GameTime, a Fort Payne, Alabama, company that builds playgrounds for people of all ages and abilities based on research from Utah State University.

The universally inclusive playground is designed for users with physical, sensory, cognitive, emotional and developmental challenges, so that all children can play side by side. The entire area will be surfaced with poured-in-place rubber, allowing users with all mobilities to access the entire playground. Wheelchair users will be able to enjoy features including a merry-go-round, a rocking raft, a hand cycle and a spiral game.

The project is expected to be complete by mid-November.