Sam Fletcher reports from the Oak Harbor city council workshop of Wed., Mar. 27, 2024 for the Whidbey News-Times.
One of the city council’s top priorities for Windjammer Park improvements is recreational facilities that are versatile and adaptable to meet the needs of the community, [Parks and Recreation Director Brian] Smith said at a recent city council workshop.
The inclusive regional playground isn’t about meeting any specific special needs, he said, but more of a holistic approach to play. It is designed to remove the barriers of entry for any physical or developmental disability at all ages, even social and communicative.
“Oak Harbor doesn’t have an all-inclusive playground where people with disabilities can improve their physical, cognitive and social skills with their able-bodied friends,” he said. “These children are on the outside looking in.”
They Said It
Childhood flies by, Smith said, sharing a story about a child with cerebral palsy, Turner, who was unable to play with his friends in the same facilities in Glenwood Springs. As is normal, it took years to address these concerns.
Inclusivity requirements may be enforced in the future, said Councilmember Shane Hoffmire, so it’s good to be ahead of the curve on this.
“Seeing your eyes light up the way they did talking about your friend Turner, you’re good people,” he said. “I think I’d be willing to take about any hill with you, so this is certainly a fun priority to get behind.”
Councilmember Bryan Stucky liked the emphasis on meeting the needs of all children and age groups.
“As a parent it can sometimes be difficult if your child doesn’t have a physical disability to explain to other parents why awkward behavior is happening,” he said. “I feel like at a place like this it’d be a little more accepting, so I’m obviously all for it.”
