A Place For Kids To Play Together; Pasco Opens Inclusive Park

WESLEY CHAPEL, FL — It's a toss up who had the most fun -- the kids or the adults.

Kids of all ages and abilities flocked to Wesley Chapel District Park Wednesday for the grand opening of Pasco County's new inclusive playground.

The nearly 7,000-square-foot facility at 7727 Boyette Road is the first of its kind in Pasco County, designed for users with physical, sensory, cognitive, emotional and developmental challenges, so they can play side by side with children who have no challenges.

The playground is surfaced with poured-in-place rubber, allowing users with wheelchairs to access all the playground equipment including a merry-go-round, a rocking raft, a hand cycle and a spiral game.

"A truly inclusive playground for children of all abilities," said special needs teacher Chandra Vani Henry. "You cannot put a price on the smiles of the children who had the opportunity to play on it today. It was priceless."

"This was an amazing day for our students," said teacher Jill Woodward. "Thank you so much for inviting us."

The $125,000 park was funded with help from the Lennar Foundation, the Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel and AdventHealth Wesley Chapel.

Related story: Groundbreaking Set Friday On Pasco's 1st Inclusive Playground