Throughout this past year, we've been working with playground consultants and the Parks Board to come up with a plan for the Town Park to install new playground equipment that would provide safe and accessible play to children of all ages and abilities. The big picture includes a massive cabled climber, three bays of swings, a merry-go-round, ziplines, a roller table, hiding cove, spinner seats, and a dedicated toddler/preschool play area with swings.
We are excited as we work to finalize plans for the first phase of this project, which would create a playground for children ages 2-5. This area includes a piece of equipment that offers developmentally-appropriate challenges for toddlers and preschoolers. With 16 different play activities, kids will develop gross motor, coordination, motor planning, hand-eye coordination, and cooperative play skills. They will also find a couple of musical instrument elements, educational reinforcement of the alphabet and numbers, and visual and tactile sensory stimulation.
Play is a crucial part of early childhood development and education, providing opportunities for problem solving, concentration, development of pre-literacy skills and social learning experiences. Unfortunately, our Town Park is lacking in safe, accessible equipment for this age group, limiting the opportunities for families with young children in our neighborhoods to benefit from this type of play that helps lay the foundation for learning.
As we work to get the plans finalized for this important phase of the overall playground project design, we are excited about sharing our vision with the public and developing some fundraising ideas that will allow every person in our community the chance to Be the Change in Chandler. You can make a difference in our community!