New Beebe School Playground Opens For Kids Of All Abilities

MALDEN, MA — A new playground has opened at the Beebe School, offering a myriad of play opportunities for children of all abilities.

Mayor Gary Christenson, Ward 3 City Councillor Amanda Linehan, Ward 3 School Committee member Jennifer Spadafora, architect Skyler Chick of Shadley Associates and Malden Redevelopment Authority (MRA) staff joined school officials, staff and students for a ribbon cutting ceremony Thursday.

The playground is located on the west side of the school and is accessible from the upper level. It includes a wheelchair ramp to provide access to different play panels for all students to play individually or in groups.

An ADA-accessible group swing is attached to the structure and allows children with different mobility challenges to rock together in the swing, which resembles a boat. The play structure also includes a spiral slide, climbers, ladders, steppers and other play elements.

"This new, accessible playground is an important addition to the Beebe School's outdoor play space, allowing children of all abilities to enjoy recess alongside one another," Amanda Linehan, Ward 3 city councilor and Beebe parent, said in a statement. "I'm already hearing wonderful feedback on the structure from my daughter and her peers, and I know this inclusive play area will bring joy to Beebe students for years to come."

The project was administered by the MRA, designed by landscape architecture firm Shadley Associates and constructed by general contractor Sciaba Construction. It was funded with $200,000 in federal Community Development Block Grant funds and $7,000 from Malden Public Schools.