Inclusive playground opens in Wake Forest

A playground designed specifically to accommodate disabled children opened March 2 in Wake Forest.

The Holding Park Inclusive Playground offers an array of unique equipment that makes it more conducive to fun for kids in wheelchairs and with other disabilities.

For instance, the playground integrates ramps into most elevation changes, sits on a rubber surface that does not impede wheelchair travel and includes equipment that was chosen to cater to those with sensory issues to better foster a sense of inclusiveness for more local children,

Ruben Wall, the town's Parks and Recreation Director, says the idea was hatched during the most isolating days of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the temporary shuttering of most businesses, parks that remained open became one of the only refuges from an entirely homebound existence for most people

However, disabilities limited some kids even further in that they could not even make use of some or most of the playground equipment. The Parks and Recreation team identified this as a wrong that had to be righted, and opportunity to provide a haven for kids who need the park to participate in play.

"We needed to have a facility that allowed access to everyone," Wall said.

Kelly Tucci, who was then the team's inclusion coordinator, was instrumental in the creation of the park. Her background and expertise bridged the gap between the nuts-and-bolts park construction and the unique skill set needed to build a unique park.

Barrs Recreation, working out of Pittsboro, designed the park. The process was made challenging by the park's layout: it sits at the bottom of a hill at a point where two small streams diverge.

"The construction guys would dig a hole, and then go to lunch and by the time they came back it was filled up with water," Wall said.

Ultimately, a solution was found for each problem and the park slowly took shape. Wall is hopeful that the public will make good and frequent use of Wake Forest's newest park, especially those kids who need it most.

"It will allow people to play together, to socialize together and spend time together in a setting that is conducive to fun and leisure," he said.

The new playground features:

• Fully ramped playground structures that offer ease of access for people of all mobility ranges.

• Multiple sensory experiences, including tactile, visual, auditory, spatial and vestibular – these items include play panels, rockers, swings, spinners, slides, and balance challenges.

• Seating and shade for parent relaxation.

• Play Ensemble Outdoor musical equipment.

• MOVMNT – accessible interactive game piece.

• Serenity Spot - fort-like environment with a variety of activities that can be calming and allow the expression of stimming behaviors.

• Brava Universal Swing – a unique way to experience swinging and rocking movements.

• Volito Swing – disc seat that allows the whole group to swing together.

• AirVenture Glider – a stand up swing that thrills all ages.

• Inclusive Orbit Spinner – a multi user, zero entry merry-go round.

The playground is located at 133 W. Owen Ave. in Wake Forest. The five-acre park also features a children's playground, picnic tables, charcoal grills and a basketball courts.