Children in Las Cruces living with disabilities will soon have a new playground, specially built to accommodate different disabilities and provide fun activities for all children to enjoy.
Earlier this year, we met Dana Garcia and her teenage daughter Seriyah, who is living with cerebral palsy. Garcia was working to raise money for the city to be able to build a playground for children living with disabilities.
Garcia says something as simple as a playground can help children and families feel like they are part of the community.
“The playground in itself,” Garcia said. “It’s therapeutic in a number of ways, from just being out here in the environment, to being around people. It’s not only great for the children and adults, but it’s also great for the families. There are very little support systems here, and it’s just great for them to be able to come out and talk, and share their stories and share their experiences.”
The new playground will cost around $330,000. Las Cruces Parks and Rec Director Sonya Delgado says about $160,000 was raised earlier this year with money from the state and private donations. Delgado says the city is funding the rest of the project, and is hoping to have the playground built by June of 2017.
“All of our playgrounds are ADA accessible,” Delgado said. “But this particular playground will have elements that are specific for individuals with disabilities, which is going to be huge. There are not very many in the state of New Mexico, and so this will definitely be a first, and hopefully the first of a few more so we’re really excited about that.”
Delgado says they are currently working with a design company, and when they have a draft of the design, they will hold public meetings to get input from the community.
“Some of the things that people have already brought up,” Delgado said. “Having a fence around it. Different types of play elements for different types of disabilities. It’s still kind of very general. It’s their job to bring something back so then we can have a real conversation about what things will work, what things we’d like to see and things of that nature.”
Dana Garcia says she hopes the new playground will have something for every child.
“Meeting multiple needs,” Garcia said. “There are children who are wheelchair bound. There are some children who aren’t who can actually get up walk on their own, some who can get on the swing on their own, with some assistance or little assistance. You know there is a variety of children with a variety of disabilities.”
Garcia says the new playground will be a great investment for the city of Las Cruces.
“When you put a price tag on a playground structure,” Garcia said. “What does that really represent. What is that representing for the special needs community. Is that the price tag that it takes to break the barrier of inequality? Is that how much it costs to bring new opportunity, experience, and quality of life? Because for typical children they have it all, and I have a hard time understanding what the difference is there.”
Public meetings for the park are expected to be held this fall.
