SPECIAL NEEDS NEWS | All-Inclusive Discovery Playground Officially Opens In Lisle

DISCOVERY PARK IS LOCATED ON SHORT STREET

LISLE–– Lisle Park District, in partnership with Unlimited Play Playgrounds, is excited to announce the opening of the community’s first, universally accessible playground, aptly named “Discovery Playground,” located in Community Park (1825 Short St., Lisle).

With the help of the nonprofit, Unlimited Play, a generous donation from Lisle Partners for Parks Foundation, and overwhelming support from local businesses and residents alike, the project broke ground late summer, 2019. While there were some speedbumps along the way, the community came together to make the vision of an inclusive playground possible. Thanks to the tireless efforts and impressive skill of Lisle Park District Parks and Playground Specialists, the playground was constructed and officially opened to the public at a ribbon cutting on Saturday, August 29.

As mentioned during the small ceremony by Lisle Park District Director, Dan Garvy, none of this would have been possible without the support of local organizations, in addition to Lisle Partners for Parks Foundation, like SEASPAR, The Main Street Organization of Realtors, as well as great support from the Lisle community and beyond. The park district is proud to provide an inclusive, safe play space for all ages and abilities, and could not be prouder of the work done by parks staff to make the mission a reality.

Director Garvy summed up the opportunity to bring this project to the community, particularly during this difficult time period, saying “Let Discovery Playground, Opportunities without Boundaries, serve as a testament to what a community can do together, and be a beacon of inspiration and hope moving forward.” Children and adults, with and without disabilities and/or critical illnesses, will have the opportunity to play, learn, and grow, in a space specifically designed to remove physical and social barriers.

Unlimited Play is a nonprofit organization that works with communities to build universally inclusive playgrounds to promote health and wellness and change communities by providing freedom of play for all children. The organization helps plan, design, and build fully accessible playgrounds, allowing children – regardless of their abilities – to play together.

The Lisle Park District provides a variety of leisure activities for people of all ages throughout the year. Park district facilities include Lisle Community Park; the Recreation Center which houses Gentle Learning Preschool, SEASPAR, the Senior Center, and multipurpose rooms; Sea Lion Aquatic Park; River Bend Golf Course; Wheatstack – A Midwestern Eatery & Tap and numerous neighborhood playgrounds and parks offering amenities such as tennis courts, ball fields, walking paths and picnic areas totaling close to 400 acres. It is the mission of the Lisle Park District to enrich the quality of life for people of all ages by providing constructive and creative leisure opportunities. For more information about the Lisle Park District, please call 630-964-3410 or visit www.lisleparkdistrict.org.

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