City Breaks Ground on First Inclusive Playground at Mahoney Park
Published on October 30, 2024
Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird, Parks and Recreation Director Maggie Stuckey-Ross, City Council member James Michael Bowers, and community representatives today broke ground for Lincoln’s first inclusive playground in Mahoney Park, North 70th and Fremont streets. Construction of the Mahoney Park inclusive playground will continue through the fall and is scheduled for completion in mid-2025.
“Today’s groundbreaking highlights the City of Lincoln’s commitment to listening to the needs of our residents and to forging innovative community partnerships that meet those needs,” Mayor Gaylor Baird said. “This inclusive playground will be a destination where community members of all ages and abilities can play together.”
Five times larger than the previous playground, the nearly 34,000 square-foot fenced area will include a pathway loop to access different play zones, open green space, and sensory gardens. The design includes a centralized shade shelter, drinking fountain, interactive water table, and new play equipment to provide accessible and inclusive play experiences such as swinging, sliding, rocking, climbing, balancing, imaginative play, and fitness.
Funding for the $1,074,450 Mahoney Park project includes a $399,725 grant from the Land and Water Conservation Fund through the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, $399,725 from the City of Lincoln and $275,000 from the Lincoln Parks Foundation.
Joining Mayor Gaylor Baird and Director Stuckey-Ross at the groundbreaking were Randy Gordon, Lincoln Parks Foundation Executive Director; Council member Bowers; and community members and inclusive play advocates Cathy Martinez, Brent and Alex Toalson.
Stuckey-Ross thanked the community members in the Outdoor Inclusive Play Working Committee and Parks Department staff for their teamwork to implement the goals of the City’s Outdoor Inclusive Play Strategic Plan. The Mahoney Park project represents the first step in the plan to increase inclusive play opportunities across the city, she said.
“Their passion and aspirations for what Lincoln can do and should do deeply influenced our department. It is an honor to stand side by side with you as we reach this milestone,” Stuckey-Ross said.
Bowers said he worked to secure $100,000 in the City budget after residents alerted City leaders to the need for more inclusive play opportunities throughout Lincoln. The City’s investment in inclusive playgrounds fosters a sense of belonging and community for all children, he said.
"An inclusive playground is more than just a play space – it's a commitment to ensuring that every child, regardless of ability, has the chance to explore, connect, and thrive,” Bowers said.
Gordon acknowledged those who donated funds for the project and the community advocates who provided inspiration for the playground.
“I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our incredible donors. Because of your generosity, we were able to make this playground a reality,” Gordon said. “It’s a moment that reminds us how powerful a community can be when we come together with a shared vision.”
Citing work completed by the Parks Department in 2000 to add accessible playground equipment to Antelope Park, Brent Toalson said playground equipment and design have changed significantly in 24 years.
“Today’s focus on inclusive play design goes beyond accessibility issues by addressing the needs of all people and encouraging people of all abilities to play side by side with each other,” Toalson said.
In August, the City installed a portion of the playground equipment formerly located in Mahoney Park in the newly opened Tranquility Park, 45th Street and Colfax Circle. The park is scheduled for completion this fall.
In March, the City announced that Playcore designated the playground design as a PlayCore National Demonstration Site. Playcore recognized Lincoln for its commitment to provide a high-quality outdoor park destination that exemplifies evidence-based best practices in design, offers meaningful experiences, and thoughtfully supports health and wellness in the community.
Inclusive playground design includes physical accommodations that provide access and specialized equipment to meet certain needs, as well as provide opportunities for everyone to explore and play with children and adults who may have different levels of ability. For more information about the Outdoor Inclusive Play Strategic Plan, visit lincoln.ne.gov/inclusiveplay.
For more information about the Mahoney playground, visit lincoln.ne.gov/MahoneyPlayground. For more information on Lincoln Parks and Recreation programs, visit parks.lincoln.ne.gov.