A crew of youth and adult volunteers and Parks and Recreation staff are hard at work this week installing Phase II play features at Silver Summit Playground in McCormick Park. The public is invited to the Phase II opening celebration on Saturday, August 22 at 11am. Phase I of the all-abilities playground opened last fall.
New playground features include a sensory play wall, a giant building block set, an accessible drinking fountain, additions to the Sensory Retreat Cabin and a powder-coated metal slide. A 6’ stainless steel gazing ball and picnic shelter will be added later this fall.
Photo courtesy of Silver Summit All-Abilities Playground.
Greenstar Movement of Chicago, IL is leading the volunteer effort to help create the sensory play wall, which features a mosaic tile mural and textural and Braille tiles for children with low vision or sensory needs. Volunteers will be on-site throughout the week constructing the mural. “Loose Parts” by SnugPlay is a giant, portable building block set that can accommodate 30-40 kids at a time. The playground’s large metal slide, which protects cochlear implants from static created by plastic slides, has been powder-coated to reduce heat.
The Sensory Retreat with Bridge and Cabin is a place for kids to recharge and enjoy sensory, solitary or imaginative play in a natural setting. The newly installed bridge was created by Girl Scout Troops 3603 and 3706. The cabin was designed by architect Larry Brehm and materials were donated by Rocky Mountain Log Homes. The structure includes masonry by David Boulter.
Phase II construction at Silver Summit playground is funded by community donations, The Playground Project, and the 2014 Parks and Trails Bond. The playground is closed during construction, through August 21. For more information, call 721-PARK. Go here to donate to the project.
Photo courtesy of Silver Summit All-Abilities Playground.