Four Fun Things: Parks for Everyone
Have you seen the revamped Forest Park Playground? It’s incredible and may set the gold standard for how we build future parks so that everyone of all levels of physical ability can participate.
Those pesky wood chips that fill up sandals are gone in lieu of faux turf and there’s zero-entry access to some play equipment. By making parks accessible, we are making them easier to use for everyone including toddlers learning to walk, grandparents not as sure on their feet and parents pushing strollers.
We did a tour of some Everett parks to find features that make it easier for everyone to play together.
Forest Park
802 E. Mukilteo Blvd.
Everett, WA 98203
In addition to the everyone-friendly turf that has anti-static properties to help prevent damage to cochlear implants, there are a couple of pieces of play equipment accessible for people in wheelchairs. The colorful and inviting playground also has great sensory play areas.
It seems that Forest Park is the only playground in Everett with fully accessible play equipment, but here are a couple of other playgrounds with some great features.
Hauge Homestead Park
1819 121st St. SE
Everett, WA 98201
This neighborhood park in southeast Everett has four ADA parking spots right next to a paved trail to the playground. There are foam tiles to make maneuvering around the playground easy and falling a little softer.
Kasch Park
8811 Airport Rd.
Everett, WA 98204
This little park is tucked away behind athletic fields so you may not know it’s there. There is a small turf area primarily for little kids. Unless there are games at the athletic fields, this park is generally very quiet and could be a good place to take kiddos that may be over-stimulated at busier playgrounds.
Walter E. Hall Park
1226 W Casino Rd
Everett, WA 98204
There’s a relatively small play area on turf that is accessible by a paved trail from the parking lot. The best thing about this park is the paved walkways for taking a stroll in the wide open space.
It seems we have a way to go to have fully inclusive parks in Everett, but now that we see the possibilities we can start planning. The parks department is currently working on their 6 year plan. You may be contacted to participate in a survey and there will be an opportunity for input on the plan this fall. Your ideas and concerns can always be shared at a parks board meeting or with elected officials.
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