The city of Elkhart cut the ribbon in its first Americans with Disabilities Act compliant playground.
The new playground at McNaughton park features artificial turf and wider walkways that make it easier for maneuvering wheelchairs. And a special enclosed pod for children on the autism spectrum who might become over stimulated in a group.
Elkhart Mayor Tim Neese said the road to the project has been a long one.
“It has been nearly five years since city officials first started working with playworld to design a playground that would serve Elkhart’s children regardless of their ability.”
Neese said the goal of the playground was to create a space where children of different abilities could interact together.
The project also included improvements to parking lots and sidewalks.
McNaughton Park is the first phase in a project to bring all Elkhart parks up to ADA compliance.