Commission approves inclusive Waveny playground design; construction planned for 2026

The Parks and Recreation Commission approved on Sept. 10 the design for a new inclusive playground at Waveny Park, a project presented by the Friends of Waveny Playground committee that includes accessible surfacing, multiple inclusive swings, a 35-foot double zip track, a rope tower and musical instruments.

“I'm gonna request approval for the design,” said Ryan, the playground presenter, summarizing the committee’s plan and funding approach. The design firm named in the presentation is MRC and equipment is from GameTime; the committee intends to order equipment after necessary town approvals and to store materials over winter at the Waveny barn for a 2026 installation.

Why it matters: the plan emphasizes accessibility and sensory needs. The playground will include four-bay swings with two inclusive (0‑g) seats, an accessible spinner labeled the "Inclusive World," a Sky Run double zip track with an inclusive seat, a rope-tower climbing element, musical chimes and a shaded quiet area. The committee also proposed communication boards (Smarty Boards) with QR-code tutorials for nonverbal and visually impaired users.

Funding and approvals: the committee said its funding strategy uses Friends of Waveny reserves, grants, a capital campaign and prior town allocations. The approval at this meeting clears the Parks and Rec stage; the project then moves to the board of selectmen for contract approval and to town council for final funding approval. The presenter said equipment would be ordered only after all approvals and stored over winter; construction is planned for 2026.

Materials and layout: renderings shown at the meeting indicate tan-colored poured-in-place rubber surfacing consistent with the site’s existing fitness area, a rectangular footprint sized to simplify curbing cost, and a fenced play area with a main patio entry that will include two handicap parking spaces nearby. The committee said the aesthetic palette will favor earth tones rather than bright primary colors.

Vote: a commissioner moved to approve the playground design; the motion was seconded (second recorded as Tim) and the commission voted in favor. No oppositions or abstentions were recorded in the meeting transcript.

Ending: Commissioners praised the committee’s work and noted the project’s inclusive features; the committee will return to town bodies for contract and funding approvals.