The Ripken Foundation has partnered with the City of University Place, University Place Parks & Recreation Foundation, and Rotary Club of University Place/Fircrest, as well as other businesses, nonprofits, and organizations to create a new adaptive playground complex in University Place, WA. Once complete, the new complex will replace the small playground currently in the park. Two existing baseball fields will be converted into two adaptive fields, and an adaptive playground will replace the current small playground. These custom-designed baseball fields and playground will have cushioned, rubberized surface to help prevent injuries, give full access to individuals in wheelchairs or with impaired vision, and insure that everyone can play no matter the weather conditions. These fields and playground will give individuals with special needs an inclusive recreational space that will give them the opportunity to play baseball and lead active, healthy lives like their able-bodied friends while building important social and motor skills.
Check out Tacoma Weekly's new article here to learn more about this project. To learn more about our Youth Development Park initiative, click here.