Gliding on a swing or twirling on a merry-go-round are special moments for every kid. And residents in Brunswick wanted to make sure every kid, regardless of ability, got to experience these moments. Leann Alferio, a special education coordinator for Brunswick City Schools, had the idea for an inclusive playground after realizing one of her students couldn’t interact with his peers while playing outside.
So, she worked with the school district, city and community to raise funds to build an inclusive playground at Neura Park. “Students would have a lemonade stand or sell vegetables they grew in their garden,” says Alferio of the fundraising efforts. The project cost over $700,000 and opened Nov. 5, 2022.
The playground was designed to be an accessible space for children regardless of their physical, mental or sensory needs. While many playgrounds use a mulch surface, the inclusive playground has a poured rubber surface to allow wheelchairs and gait trainers to move around freely. Other features include ramps to play areas, a zero-degree entry merry-go-round, a sensory grove for overstimulated children and a roller slide to prevent static electricity from interfering with hearing aids or cochlear implants.
“I remember one of my students at the playground opening. He has brittle bone disease, so he must be very careful when playing,” says Alferio. “He came up to me and told me that he’s never gotten to play on a playground with kids before. I’ll never forget it. That moment has stuck with me.”
Local parent Jason Schmitt often brings his two children, 10-year-old Calvin and 8-year-old Evelyn, to the park to play. Calvin is autistic and enjoys gliding down the ziplines, including an adaptive zipline with a secure five-point harness. “Every time you go, it’s amazing to see the community there and kids of all different abilities,” says Schmitt. “It warms your heart, knowing the community and Leann put forth so much time and work to build this playground.”
