Council directs planners to prioritize sensory playground and Miracle League field at new park

Councilman Farris presented a proposal to include a sensory playground area and an accessible Miracle League baseball field in the development plans for the city's newly acquired property (referred to in the meeting as the "car property"). He described existing installations at Freeport Elementary and regional Miracle League examples and urged the council to prioritize inclusive amenities that accommodate children with a range of disabilities.

Farris described sensory equipment, accessible surfacing and play pieces that produce sound and tactile engagement; he also noted Miracle League fields allow children using wheelchairs to participate with volunteer assistance. "This is something that I feel that we need to look at when we start developing the car property of having that," Councilman Farris said. Another council member (Speaker 7) said, if the council makes it a priority, she can ensure those items receive priority in planning.

Council members discussed seeking grants and other funding sources to cover costs and asked staff to include those elements in future planning. A motion to prioritize both the sensory playground and the Miracle League field in the park planning process was made and approved by the council.

Staff and council agreed to proceed with planning that incorporates features for children with varied abilities and to pursue grant and partner opportunities to help fund specialized equipment and surfacing.