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Inclusive Playground Public Engagement

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Introduction

_Inclusive playground Web (300 x 158 px) (1)

Chapel Hill currently has nine playgrounds, all of which have some accessibility for those with disabilities.

However, most of these play structures have limited access for some children. An inclusive playground allows children of all abilities to play with their peers regardless of physical, social, or cognitive needs.

Chapel Hill Parks and Recreation invites residents, children, and adults of all abilities, to help us design our new inclusive playground at Chapel Hill Community Center Park.

This exciting project aims to create a space where people of all abilities can play together and enjoy the benefits of outdoor recreation.

Public Engagement Listening Meetings

We're pleased to announce that Barrs Recreation Playground Equipment, a leading provider of accessible playground equipment, will be joining us for the public listening sessions. Their team will be on hand to showcase the latest in inclusive playground equipment and answer any questions.

There are two public listening sessions:

  • Sunday, February 11, 2024, 12 - 2 pm
    Chapel Hill Public Library, Room B, 100 Library Drive, Chapel Hill, NC

  • Thursday, February 15, 2024, 6 - 8 pm
    Chapel Hill Community Center Meeting Room, 120 S Estes Drive, Chapel Hill, NC

  • Can't make on of our meetings? Take our survey below.
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Survey

Thank you in advance or participating in this critical survey that will help guide our future decisions.

Take the survey

Download and preview your own copy
of what an All-Abilities Playground may include.

Background

In a report derived from public input and a feasibility study conducted from November 2022 through March 2023, data and information has been collected to better serve this phase in developing an Inclusive Playground at the Chapel Hill Community Center.

See our Feasibility Study project update page for details.

Funding

The Town Council approved $785,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for adding inclusive elements to our playgrounds and additional dollars for making the Community Center Park playground inclusive. 

  • $500,000 for Inclusive Playground Equipment at the Chapel Hill Community Center Playground
  • $285,000 for System-wide Playground Accessibility upgrades for existing playgrounds

We have yet to receive funding specifically for the design and construction of any new splash pad facilities.

As part of the approved 2023-24 operating budget, the Town Council established a Penny for Parks Fund which will provide $971,000 for Parks and Recreation's Capital Improvement Project budget to support maintenance and expansion of our parks and facilities in the future.