Interactivity and accessibility important parts of new Liberty Playground
by Kim Scott Sowinski
Liberty Playground has changed a lot since Independence Recreation Director Tom Walchanowicz was a kid.
“Back when I was a child, we only had a little playground where the current Kiwanis Pavilion is. Now we have all these interactive opportunities,” he said.
Phase 2 of the Liberty Playground improvement project is complete. The play area reopened to the public June 12, after being closed since November for the project.
Community members provided suggestions on the design of the new playground.
“We got feedback from Independence residents last summer during meetings at the ballfields,” Walchanowicz said, “and the merry-go-round was a hot item. Interactivity was big.”
Another important factor in the new design was accessibility.
“It’s important that our playgrounds are accessible to all children so they can play together,” Mayor Gregory Kurtz said.
The result is the new and upgraded equipment from century-old Burke Products, based in Wisconsin. The distributor, Snider Recreation from North Royalton, provided ongoing local support during the installation and completion of Phase 2.
Both companies promote inclusive play, meaning all children have equal access to participate in play regardless of ability, age, or comfort level. Phase 2 focused on the play area for the 2-5-year-old age group and includes musical experiences to enhance motor skills, a sand and water table, and a new merry-go-round, all accessible to children in wheelchairs.
The poured rubber surface throughout the playground also makes it easier for wheelchair access. Walchanowicz pointed out that the new stamped concrete walking path was done in house.
“Roger Carpenter, who worked for us last summer, came back and donated his time to finish it this year,” he said.
The cobblestone-patterned concrete is accented with sand crabs, paw prints and an occasional whale.
The $130,000 project was funded partially with a $35,000 state Nature Works grant. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources distributes these grants to develop or acquire public outdoor recreation areas with accessibility.
Phase 2 came in under budget, Walchanowicz said. “We did a lot of drainage work because of standing water in previous years,” he added. “Now we can use the extra money to add lighting, a security camera and sound system in the future.”
Phase one was completed in July 2018 and included $90,000 in equipment for the 5-12-year-old section.
The 2.5-acre Liberty Playground, with access to Safety Town, has some familiar equipment blended in with the new, state-of-the-art pieces. The two racing zip lines in the 5-12-year-old section is the only one in the area. Shade structures were built into the playground with locust and oak trees, and the gazebo serves as the focal point.
Guests will recognize the old pavers engraved with donors and memorials that have been incorporated into the entrance of Liberty Station, open for hand washing and restrooms.
The playground opened in compliance with safety standards set by the state of Ohio during the pandemic. There are hand sanitizer stations and rules posted throughout the playground to keep everyone safe and healthy.
Liberty Playground is open from sunrise to dusk. “It’s here for everyone to enjoy,” Walchanowicz said. “Take advantage of the play and activity, but if you or your kids are sick, please do not play on the equipment, use the pool or parks. Stay home. It’s not worth it.”
Feature image photo caption: The new equipment installed for 2- to 5-year-olds at Liberty Playground is proving to be a popular summer destination. The playground was redesigned with input from the community and includes a wheelchair-friendly surface, a merry-go-round accessible to children of all abilities, and play areas that emphasize interactivity. Photo by K. Scott Sowinski
