By Mary O’KEEFE

Maple Park is ready to start construction of a playground where all are welcomed. The inclusive park, designed by Shane’s Inspiration, is going to benefit the community by benefiting all children.

The playground at the park, located at 820 E. Maple St., Glendale 91205, was unanimously approved by Glendale City Council. The planning took years. In 2016, Glendale Parks Dept. held several community meetings inviting the public to share ideas for what they would like to see for their park.

“It was at a community meeting that [residents] picked a castle theme, and they wanted more swings and for us to add more slides,” said Onnig Bulanikian, director of community services of the city’s parks department.

The park has expanded since its initial proposal, from 5,000 square feet to 8,200 square feet.

  “The closest park [like this] is the one at Griffith Park that was built in 2000,” Bulanikian said. “It includes wheelchair-accessible swings and ramps leading to the playground.”

The city is working with Shane’s Inspiration in the design of the park because of its background with this specialized playground.

The organization was founded by parents whose son, Shane, was born with spinal muscular atrophy. Their son only lived two weeks but the parents Catherine Curry-Williams and Scott Williams realized there would not have been a playground Shane could have played on if he had lived. Catherine and friend Tiffany Harris rallied friends, family and the community to build the very first Universally Accessible Playground at Griffith Park in 2000. Since then Shane’s Inspiration has consulted on numerous playgrounds throughout the nation and the world.

It is difficult if not impossible for children with disabilities to use playground equipment. Many of these children watch while peers play, unable to join in because the playground has limited access. This park will give all children a chance to play together.

“When I was growing up we didn’t have this type of opportunity,” Bulanikian said.

He added the type of park he grew up with could create a division between children, leading to misunderstanding each other. This new park will allow all to enjoy and invites a diverse group of children to get to know each other.

There will also be a sensory portion of the park and the structures will allow enough room for parents and grandparents to go on some of the equipment to help their child. 

The cost “A to Z,” Bulanikian said, is $825,000. The construction is scheduled to begin in March 2019 with completion in May.

“We are really excited to have this playground asset,” Bulanikian said.

  Mary Okeefe