Editor’s note: Funding is not in place yet for this proposed Austin park. This article has been updated.
AUSTIN (KXAN) — The City of Austin Parks Department has identified the Springwood Neighborhood Park as the site for a potential play-for-all-abilities park—an inclusive space to play and develop skills for children of all abilities, according to a city memo.
In the memo, city parks staff said they explored several north Austin parks before deciding on Springwood Neighborhood Park. They said the park had several amenities that made it a good candidate for the project, including a playground, sand volleyball court, large pavilion, parking lot, tennis courts, trails, restrooms and an abundance of shade.
The department conducted a feasibility study to predict how much it would cost to covert and expand the current park to an all-abilities one. It concluded the department should prepare a budget between $3 million and $4 million to complete the project. Parks staff said they are identifying potential funding sources. Funding is not yet in place.
Round Rock developed an all-abilities park in 2008, which they said created a space for all children, not only those with visible or well-known disabilities.
“[A Play for All Abilities Park] should accommodate the spectrum of disabilities, including cognitive, developmental or communication impairments, to name a few,” wrote David Buzzel, of the Round Rock Parks Department, in an article for the National Recreation and Park Association.