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Student asks Carbondale parks commission to back an accessible playground
Summary
A student, speaking at the Carbondale Parks and Recreation Commission meeting on July 8, asked commissioners to support a project to fund an accessible playground for wheelchair users and was invited to present the proposal at the commission's August meeting.
A student told the Carbondale Parks and Recreation Commission on July 8 that their sister uses a wheelchair and that Carbondale needs an accessible playground.
"Every child deserves a chance to play," the student said, asking commissioners for even small donations to cover supplies or help identify donated land for a new accessible play area. The student described features they had seen at a Denver site called Bluebird's Light Playground and asked the commission to consider similar elements in local parks.
Parks Director Eric Brenlinger and other commissioners pointed to an existing accessible surface behind the middle school that the student and their family could test and suggested that the student's presentation be added to the August agenda. Brenlinger encouraged the student to send photos and any supporting materials to him by Aug. 7 so staff could include them in the meeting packet.
Commissioners said the proposal aligns with the upcoming 10-year parks master plan and noted short-term options the commission could consider, such as targeted surface upgrades, ADA-accessible transfer points on play equipment, and partnerships with local nonprofits or donors. Commissioners also suggested the student help by testing existing accessible features and providing feedback.
The commission scheduled the student's presentation for the August meeting and invited them to share visual examples and a one-page proposal to help staff and commissioners evaluate costs and potential funding sources.
