Mahoney Inclusive Playground

Inclusive playgrounds are thoughtfully designed to provide a safe place where people of all abilities, sizes and ages can play together. They go beyond the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act which requires access but not necessarily play experiences that meet the needs or abilities of the users.

Inclusive playgrounds provide a number of opportunities for children to explore and to be able to play side by side with children and adults who may have different levels of ability.

The Mahoney Inclusive Playground will be located in the same general area as the existing playground, but will be roughly 5 times the size!

This playground will include:

• perimeter fence
• swing and sway opportunities
• multilevel accessible-surface play areas
• a large fully-accessible central play structure
• adult fitness equipment
• turf
• covered picnic areas
• water play area.
• nearby restroom has been remodeled to accommodate families, including adult changing tables.

Basketball, sand volleyball, tennis and a rentable picnic shelter are located in the immediate area. There are concrete walking paths and plenty of parking located near the playground.

The Strategy for Integrating Outdoor Inclusive Play(PDF, 326KB) in Lincoln’s Parks recommends a three tier strategy which includes a recommendation for a new large inclusive playground at Mahoney Park. Parks and Recreation leveraged that plan to make application to the Land and Water Conservation Fund for a $400,000 grant, matched by $300,000 in City funding and $100,000 in private donations, was awarded to develop this first fully inclusive playground in the community.

City of Lincoln is recognized for its commitment to providing a high- outdoor park destination that exemplifies evidence-based best practices in design, offers meaningful experiences, and thoughtfully supports health and wellness in their community. Mahoney Park serves as a model project of excellence in the following National Demonstration Site designation.

Mahoney Park applies a comprehensive design philosophy by utilizing the 7 Principles of Inclusive Playground Design™ to innovate an outdoor play environment where both physical and social inclusion can occur to the greatest extent possible. Moving beyond minimum accessibility guidelines, this park intentionally addresses the development of the whole child, aligns with evidence-based design principles of the whole environment, and ultimately, benefits the whole community by providing a meaningful destination for individuals of all ages and abilities to play together. A robust and balanced assortment of playground activities can be found to support the physical, social-emotional, sensory, cognitive, and communicative needs of all children, including those with disabilities.

Mahoney Park promotes physical activity and fun by implementing the Play On! design best practices to intentionally promote physical activity through active play and encourage the developmental progression of skills through healthy movement. This outdoor play destination incorporates six key elements of play- balancing, brachiating, climbing, spinning, sliding, and swinging to promote fitness opportunities that support national physical education standards and efforts to combat childhood obesity.

Mahoney Park thoughtfully aligns with evidence-based design best practices to promote physical activity and fitness. This Outdoor Adult Fitness Park offers a variety of aerobic, muscle/strength, core, balance, and flexibility equipment to provide a well-rounded fitness routine. Together, these elements can help individuals of all fitness levels engage in more moderate to vigorous physical activity, while enjoying the health benefits of physical activity.

We commend City of Lincoln for turning research into practice and offering evidence-based solutions that build healthier, happier communities through the power of play and recreation.

Construction of this playground is planned to begin in Summer of 2024 and be completed by the end of 2025.

Are you ready to be a part of something truly special?

Now's your chance to make a lasting impact on the community and leave your mark at Mahoney Park's groundbreaking inclusive playground!

Your contribution not only supports the endowment of this playground but also paves the way for future inclusive playgrounds throughout the City of Lincoln. The gateway to the playground includes a custom fence with pickets. With the purchase of a picket, you have an option to have 1 plaque or purchase an additional plaque for the same picket. Your plaques will stand tall, symbolizing your commitment and advocacy to inclusivity and play for all in the City of Lincoln.

Plaque Options: 

Plaques will be displayed vertically at the gateway entrance on a custom made metal plaque.

Plaque text examples with option to purchase 1 or 2 plaques shown in 1 or 2 lines of text with a 20 character limit.

1. Line 1: In Honor of
   Line 2: First and Last Name
2. Line 1: In Memory of
   Line 2: First and Last Name
3. Line 1: First and Last Name
   Line 2: Year or Date Range
4. Single Line: First and Last Name
5. Single Line: Business Name

More information can be found at lincolnparks.org or by contacting director@linccolnparks.org.

Benefits:  The Welcome Plaza is a place of arrival, assists with orientation, and serves as the sole access point to and from the fenced play area.

Features:  As the gateway to the play area, take a moment to admire the donor plaques and get familiar with the play area with a map and rules for the playground. The map will guide users through the play areas, along with spots to rest on benches, a place to park bikes, and a communication board.

Benefits: The Gathering Zone serves as a central hub where users can congregate or enjoy a panoramic view of the entire fenced-in play area.

Features: This area includes a spacious open-air shelter, picnic tables, benches, a drinking fountain, and landscaped areas.

Benefits: The Water Zone is an interactive water experience that helps to develop social skills through cooperation and boosts cognitive development with engineering challenges in a sensory environment.

Features: Features: This water table and crank pump system has a central water system leading to various channels, splash tables, and diversions, creating a fun water play area. Users can dam, splash, and interact with the water, forming teams to explore how it moves and stops.

Benefits: The Lower Play Zone provides multiple independent and parallel play opportunities that strengthen and develop muscles, skills, coordination, balance, and encourages imagination.

Features: The compound play structure is accessible to everyone, featuring ramps and bridges that navigate a 3-foot elevation change and offer various play experiences. These include a roller slide, a double plastic slide, multiple climbers, an accessible rocking raft, and interactive sensory panels. Slide down the embankment slide or use the tug rope to climb the hillside that transitions from the Upper Play Zone. At the lower level, enjoy the inclusive rocker or try sur­ng on the balance board. Users can reach different levels via stairs on the east side or a fully accessible ramp on the west side of the lower level.

Benefits: The Nature Zone provides a tranquil space to observe regionally native plants, enhancing sensory experiences and serving as an educational area.

Features: This zone includes a pathway loop, a central turf open space, seating, and landscaping, offering a peaceful spot to relax and enjoy nature.

Benefits: The Exercise Zone is an opportunity for adults and caregivers to get some exercise while visiting the playground.

Features: The equipment in this zone covers the major muscle groups including an assisted balance walk, knee l station, roman chair squat, push-up station, and cardio walkers.

Benefits: The Music Zone is a creative area for exploring new sounds and rhythms, enhancing cognitive abilities, improving social skills, memory, language, and building confidence.

Features: This zone includes musical instruments themed as bu’er‡y and ‡ower chimes, along with a drum line ensemble.

Benefits: The Bench Swing Zone others a serene space where you can unwind from a traditional bench and indulge in leisurely swinging.

Features: Integrated into a landscaped area, this zone boasts three porch swing style benches for relaxation.