When we dream & play great things happen.
The Dream.
A playground is a child’s creative classroom. They learn by interacting physically, emotionally and socially with peers. Our state of the art inclusive playground was envisioned as an outdoor space where children of all abilities can play together! “Nicky’s Dreamland” will provide the first barrier-free playground in Del Rio, Texas.
Typically, we assume our playground will support children with disabilities, but equally important is giving disabled parents and grandparents the opportunity to engage with typically-abled children.
With over 5,800 veterans living in the Quad County area & Del Rio being home to the United States Air Force’s largest pilot training base with over 3,000 personnel, this playground offers a unique opportunity to show our appreciation for their service.
Additionally, 10% of the people in Val Verde County under 65 have a disability (US Census Bureau); many of them unable to take their children or grandchildren to a playground.
Everyone deserves dignity, respect and a place to play!
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The Design.
While a child would never be denied entrance to school, many children with disabilities are denied entrance to Del Rio playgrounds, as all playgrounds within 150 miles are physically inaccessible to them. This will be the first and only place where all children, regardless of ability, can play.
Designed by Diane Scanlan, Landscape Architect and Sr. V.P. of Design for Inclusion Matters by Shane’s Inspiration, she brought fantasy and whimsical elements inspired by Nicky’s love of birds, butterflies, flowers & rainbows. The sensory-rich playground will support multigenerational play for all.
And it was designed with input from the experts ~ children!
The Location.
The new Del Rio Sports Complex, Field of Our Dreams, at Buena Vista Park will house “Nicky’s Dreamland”. Other activities will include a nature trail, exercise stations, pedestrian bridge, irrigated baseball and football/ soccer multi-purpose fields, a concession stand and picnic tables.
With a 40K+ population and 10% under the age of 5 with one or more disabilities (US Census Bureau), it is clear Val Verde County and the City of Del Rio need more recreational facilities, including an inclusive playground.
Adults, Too.
Typically, we assume inclusive playgrounds support children with disabilities so they can engage with parents and peers, but equally as important is giving disabled parents and grandparents the opportunity to engage with typically abled children.
In Del Rio, a prominent user group will be our military and veterans. With over 5,800 veterans living in the Quad County area (Val Verde, Uvalde, Maverick & Kinney Counties) and Del Rio being home to the United States Air Force’s largest pilot training base with over 3,000 personnel, this playground offers a unique opportunity to show our appreciation for their service to our country (U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs).
The Details.
Language panels in both English and Spanish, support our ‘Too Small to Fail’ early childhood awareness literacy campaign. The project also incorporates an American Sign language alphabet panel. Thematic bird ‘Look n’ Find’ panels will include Braille, providing a tactile touch opportunity. In the spirit of our parent organization, Community Health Improvement Coalition, the health and safety of our community was a major consideration. When feasible our design includes recycled materials.
Click to enlarge picture.
