‘You belong here’: Lincoln’s first fully inclusive playground has something for everyone
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — The atmosphere at Mahoney Park on Tuesday was filled with excitement as city officials unveiled Lincoln’s first fully inclusive playground.
The playground, designed for all ages and all abilities, is on 3,400 square feet of land and entirely fenced in for the safety of those at play.
It has seven different areas for fun, such as a music zone and a water zone, with several kids taking advantage of the pots of water during Tuesday’s high heat.
The City of Lincoln emphasized that this playground is for everyone, including adults and caregivers. There are designated zones for them, such as the quiet zone, family swings and even a fitness area.
Mark Lighthall, a father and lifelong Lincolnite, said the playground is a welcome change for the community and definitely an improvement from what he remembers of it as a child.
“It was just a place where, you know, sports sometimes happened,” he said. “But now, seeing how much that has been put into it, the people that really put time and energy into this, we’ll definitely be remembering this place and coming back to it.”
With about a hundred people attending the launch, families stood side by side with officials who made the event possible.
One of them Councilman James Michael Bowers, who helped to secure the initial funding for the park.
He called it “a playground that boldly says no matter your size, your age or your ability, you belong here,” getting emotional as he spoke.
The project broke ground in the fall of 2024.
Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird said the city is aiming to build playgrounds like this one “in all corners of the city.”
The next park improvement project is scheduled to happen in Antelope Park.
