URBANA, Ill. (WAND) — The project to renovate the PrairiePlay playground in Meadowbrook Park started in 2021. The $1.1 million project saw to the addition of climbing structures, zip lines, and increased ADA accessibility.
Kelsey Beccue, development manager with Urbana Park District, said that the years of hard work have paid off.
"Along the way, we worked with so many wonderful people. We've had a lot of, we saw huge support from our community, in donations. There was great leadership and bringing this about. And, you know, so today is just really gratifying, being able to see everyone out here enjoying it."
RaeAnne Lyndsay is reigning Ms. Wheelchair USA and an Illinois native. Her pageant platform was 'Inclusive Playgrounds are for Everyone,' and she worked in collaboration with Urbana Park Districts to help make that happen.
"I still remember the very first playground I was ever able to wheel up on the main part of it. And I remember sitting up there and thinking, 'wow, so this is what it's like to be up here.'"
The PrairiePlay playground will be open year-round.
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