Wabun’s new playground will be city’s first Universal Access one

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Construction to begin this spring on playground that will make it easier for those with disabilities to use

by Tesha M. Christensen

Over 60 years ago, Minnehaha’s Wabun park provided respite to travelers. Later this year, it will provide a place where children of all abilities can gather together at an auto camp-themed playground.

This summer, the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board will construct the city’s first Universal Access playground at Wabun, replacing the equipment there that was installed in 1973. At the park, those with disabilities will be able to use 90% of the play features, a figure significantly higher than the average.  

“I truly believe that bringing children together from a variety of backgrounds and varying abilities will benefit all of us,” stated Peggy Halvorson of Falls 4 All, the non-profit that raised $760,000 for this project together with People for Parks.

“We learn, by playing together at an early age, to accept and understand our differences and see each other as worthwhile, compassionate and whole beings.”

Universal Access playgrounds go a step farther than those that meet the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. While ADA standards call for paths and ramps wheelchairs can traverse, in a universal access playground all ramps are wide enough for wheelchairs and kids don’t have to be transferred out of wheelchairs to use equipment. The surfacing is soft enough to cushion a fall.

There are currently only three such playgrounds in Minnesota: Rochester, Red Wing and St. Cloud. A fourth, Madison’s Place, in Woodbury will also be under construction this summer.

WHY BUILD A UNIVERSAL ACCESS PLAYGROUND?

In the United States today, one in five have disabilities, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Minneapolis Park Board Therapeutic Recreation Specialist Toby Broadrick pointed out that number is expected to rise to 25% of the population in the next decade.

“Too many playgrounds in their design tell kids and adults with disabilities that they are not welcome -- Everything from sand surfacing to no ramps that allow access to the upper play elements,” observed Broadrick. “Some playgrounds don’t even have an accessible pathway to the playground and Wabun is a classic example of that!”

Two years ago, four accessible picnic shelters, a restroom building, and a zero-entry wading pool were constructed at Wabun to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.

“It makes perfect sense to put a playground that is fully accessible on that site so that the people that need that kind of amenity can feel included and respected,” said Broadrick.

“I sincerely hope that the Longfellow community is proud to be a part of something that will have a lasting and important impact on so many lives,” said Halvorson.

WHAT WILL THE NEW PLAYGROUND LOOK LIKE?

The inspiration for the playground design at Wabun came from the area’s history as an auto tourist camp in the 1920-1950s.

Elements within the new playground will reflect that history, including a play 1920s-era vehicle, a 1930s-style camper that sways, and a log-cabin aesthetic. In addition to two separate play areas for ages 2-5 and 5-12, there will be a quiet area for kids that need to avoid the over stimulation of noisy, active play. It will have a play fire pit, boulders and tents.

“I love the quiet area and the accommodations for the autism spectrum,” said District 3 Parks Commissioner Scott Vreeland.

Feedback from various surveys showed a preference for the two play areas (2-5 and 5-12) to be close together so that a parent can stand between them and watch both areas at once.

“I love how the design is somewhat ‘upside down’ in that there are not so many ramps, but a large walkway that brings the access to the top of the equipment,” observed Halvorson.

Some residents have expressed concern about the artificial turf planned for the area. “Fake grass in our oldest regional park is not authentic, and its unchanging unnatural green will distract visitors who come to experience a natural area,” said Minneapolis resident Lisa Hondros.

Halvorson pointed out that the more traditional surface for accessible playgrounds, a poured-in-place surfacing with a rubberized matting overlay, is much more expensive, and the Park Board is saving money by opting to use the artificial turf instead.

Park Board Commissioners debated the issue during both of their January meetings on the plans, but decided to proceed with the artificial turf. Commissioner Annie Young reminded the public that this playground will be a different play area than others in the city, and it needs to be accessible by those in wheelchairs. While she personally dislikes the artificial turf, she thinks that it will work well for this type of use.

 Construction is expected to begin in spring of 2013. A ground breaking will occur in April 2013, and a grand opening in September 2013.

In addition to a new playground in the Wabun area of Minnehaha Park, the playground off 45th St. will be redone. The entire cost for both park playgrounds is $1.5 million.

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SIDEBAR:

Park board holds off on one Minnehaha Park playground

The Park Board held off approving the Minnehaha Park North Plateau playground design at its Jan. 16, 2013 meeting. It will review the plan again in February. The North Plateau playground is located off 45th St.

“There needs to be a little more clarity about what that is actually going to look like,” said Commissioner Carol Kummer, who represents the Nokomis and Powderhorn neighborhoods.

While there was a professionally done, 3D rendering of the Wabun design, a similar drawing was not completed for the North Plateau playground. According to Park Board planner Andrea Weber, this was because the park staff do not have the capability to make these 3D designs themselves. The one for Wabun was completed by the playground manufacturer that designed the park. At the North Plateau playground, the park board did not accept a design from a single manufacturer, but instead pulled in pieces from several different ones.

New classic pieces will be arranged in orthogonal groupings. Freestanding slides, fulcrum see-saws, merry-go-rounds and a dome climber are in the older play area. Balance beams, stepping pods and crawl tunnels are in the younger play area. Sand play includes diggers, a sand table and classic molded metal animal spring rockers and concrete play animals to recall the “Longfellow Gardens” Zoo, which was once nearby.

The swings and the climbing structure currently at the park will remain; they were built by a WPA work crew in the 1940s. Designers worked around the existing trees when planning. There will be a play area for ages 2-5 on the east side, and an area for ages 5-12 on the west. A sand pit will be on the south side. The colors for the park will be subdued, natural tones, and the materials used will be metal and wood.

“Parents are excited about seeing a play area similar to what they had as parents,” stated Weber.

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