Families in the Aurora area will soon have a new place to play where everyone can interact, regardless of their age or ability. The Hamilton County Inclusive Playground project aims to “create an inclusive space in Hamilton County for intergenerational play,” where all “can explore, engage, learn and have fun side by side.” 

The Upper Big Blue NRD will provide $10,000 toward the project through the district Parks Program. In 2021, the NRD provided the same amount for a similar project in York. The Parks Program offers financial assistance to communities for the development or improvement of natural resources in nature areas, campgrounds, and park facilities. This program is available for any city, town, county, or school located in the district. The district will consider—on a case-by-case basis—providing cities and villages with planning and financial assistance for multi-use parks and recreation improvement/development that encourages tree planting, creation of wildlife habitat, open spaces, and other enhancements of natural resources. 

The Hamilton County Inclusive Playground will be located on Aurora city property on Old Creek Road, east of Highway 14 and north of Highway 34. According to playground fundraisers, the project is designed to utilize different forms of play to stimulate varied developmental needs. The playground allows for direct interactive play as well as parallel play for individuals with differing levels of physical capabilities. The theme of the park will be community heroes and will celebrate “the everyday heroes that make communities thrive,” including famers, teachers, firefighters, medical professionals, and police officers.

The playground will feature shade structures over much of the equipment, which is especially important for individuals who have trouble with temperature regulation. Finding appropriate bathroom facilities is often a challenge for families with older children with mobility issues, as they may require changing stations that can accommodate larger individuals. The bathrooms to be constructed at the Hamilton County Inclusive Playground will be equipped for these needs, thus allowing greater use of the park. For kids with sensory processing disorders, it can be easy to get overwhelmed by noise and activity so there will be a ‘quiet zone’ included in the park, as well. 

The playground will be fully ramped, so that all equipment is accessible for those with a range of mobility levels, including an in-ground merry-go-round that can accommodate wheelchairs. There will also be educational panels featuring braille and sign language learning opportunities.

“On behalf of the Upper Big Blue, I want to congratulate the Hamilton County Inclusive Playground Committee for undertaking this innovative project,” said John Miller, NRD board of directors chairperson. “I believe the committee has selected a great location: close to other youth activity areas, the established walking trail, close to highways and creating off street parking.  The Upper Big Blue NRD board is very proud to be a small part of project.”

Community organizers have secured more than 35 percent of the more than $1.7 million needed for the project. For more details about the project and how to support it, visit https://unlimitedplay.org/playground/hamilton-county-inclusive-playground/.