Water Works Park's very popular playground is even more welcoming and even more safe with the recent installation of a new piece of ADA-friendly equipment.
The Parks and Recreation Department has installed a We-Go-Round, which offers ample room for kids and families to interact and play together – including those in wheelchairs.
The entry is level with the ground, so kids in wheelchairs can roll right in. There are wheelchair clips inside for safety, and the center handhold allows riders to participate in the spinning fun. Very importantly in Florida, the integrated roof provides shade.
"It's especially important that our playgrounds have features for children of all abilities, so they can feel it's their park, too," Mayor Jane Castor said. "I know I have great playground memories. And we're committed to making sure everyone has access to them, and this brings us a great step closer."
In addition to the We-Go-Round, the $135,000 project replaced 1,800 square feet of poured-in-place rubber safety surfacing.
"We all do better when we all do better, and that has to include families raising and caring for people with disabilities," Councilman Luis Viera said. "This addition is part of a larger effort to make sure these families have a place at the table of Tampa."
The We-Go-Round is designed for children 2-12. This is the third in Tampa's Parks and Recreation Department, following installations at Macfarlane Park's Freedom Playground, and the New Tampa All-Abilities Playground.
“This We-Go-Round will offer much greater reliability than the piece it is replacing, meaning less maintenance and more fun for our children,” Parks and Recreation Director Ted Fowler said.