Manvel parks board reviews inclusive Heritage Park playground design and GameTime matching grant

Designers and a GameTime representative presented an inclusive playground plan for Heritage Park and a potential matching grant that could reduce the city’s out‑of‑pocket cost if the parks board and City Council approve the project. The board asked staff for a detailed cost breakdown and scheduled further review before making a formal recommendation.

The presentation, given to the Manvel parks board by Michael Mauer, a consultant with M2L Associates, and Tim Duckworth of Cunningham Recreation representing GameTime Playgrounds, described a playground layout that would sit within the park area shown in the current civic‑center site drawings. Mauer said the current base bid for the project includes the parking lot, storm detention, landscaping and trails, while the pavilion, gazebo, restroom and playground are listed as alternates and are not funded in the base package.

The designers emphasized inclusive features for children with a range of abilities. Tim Duckworth described ramps and transfer platforms to allow a child using a mobility device to reach elevated decks, and a “rocking raft” feature that can accommodate a mobility…