Ribbon cutting held for Wellness Park playground

WASHINGTON — City staff, Chamber ambassadors and other playground enthusiasts held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the recently completed structure in the Washington Wellness Park on Friday.

Washington Parks Superintendent Nick Pacha said the project was the city’s first playground addition since 1997, and its first ever playset designed with accessibility in mind.

“Being handicap-accessible, it will benefit all residents and visitors with disabilities and without,” he said in an email. “The playset is open to all residents and visitors to Washington. It gives kids the opportunity to play, exercise and benefit mentally … In addition, the safety features and smooth surface will make this amenity of the Wellness Park a place for parents and grandparents of different mobility levels to enjoy fresh air and play safely alongside their children.”

Pacha noted the playset’s location as a major upside, placed in the park’s center to ensure equal access for families visiting any of the baseball, softball, sand volleyball or soccer fields. It’s also right across the sidewalk from a recently installed shelter with picnic tables and a water fountain.

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com