Miles Park is getting an inclusive playground make-over this fall

Whitemarsh Township recently announced adding a space where all children can play, no matter their abilities. An inclusive playground is currently underway at Miles Park.

The 25-acre park located at Joshua Road and Germantown Pike got a new playground 24 years ago, which included a tot play area addition in the Spring of 2001, thanks to the Patrons of Whitemarsh Parks.

That playground is currently closed for the renovations, which will be suitable for those ages 2 to 12.

“The playground will include a large ramped play structure with inclusive play features,” said the township’s representatives via its Facebook page. “Work is expected to be completed this fall.”

Additional features of the new playground will include a “Sway Fun,” a multi-seat glider that fits wheelchairs or adults, allowing all to swing gently together.

    Image courtesy of Landscape Structures
  

Other play focal points of the park will include accessible elevated play areas, climbers, slides, musical instruments, spinners, and sensory-stimulating play events.

“A communication sign will also be provided,” said the township’s post. “This sign will include pictures and symbols which can be an effective way for nonverbal, speech-challenged, and early learning individuals to communicate with friends and caregivers.”

The park’s new playground will also feature accessible pathways to get to and from the play space, as well as new benches and a solar charging station where visitors can charge their electronic devices to “stay connected while visiting the play area.”

Michelle Currie Viall, the development coordinator of the National Down Syndrome Society, commented on the township’s post, appreciative of the community’s new addition.

“Thank you for the inclusive playground,” said Viall.

Susan Paul, a speech and language pathologist and founder of Communiverse said the project “warms my heart.”

The township’s spokesperson said in the post’s various comments that features such as swings, monkey bars, and slides will remain a part of the park’s offerings, as well as picnic tables at the pavilion. However, there will not be tunnels in the newly planned playground layout.

For more information on the park’s renovations to the playground, follow the Whitemarsh Township page here: https://www.facebook.com/whitemarshtownship or call 610-825-3535.