The new all-abilities playground at the Sparks Marina is officially open, making it the city’s second of its kind in Sparks. Located on the northwest corner of the marina at Howard Drive and Lincoln Way, the new All-Abilities Playground features enhanced equipment for people of all abilities and shade structures within a fenced area.
When designing the inclusive playground, the City imagined how children with all abilities would be engaging and enjoying the space, whether they: move through the space using their legs or a wheelchair; are neurotypical or see the world through different lenses; and can see and/or hear clearly or if things are a little blurry. There are places to climb, crawl, spin, swing, and experience all your senses in a place that you can’t find anywhere else in Sparks.
The ribbon-cutting for the new Sparks Marina All-Abilities Playground was held last Friday, September 9 with Mayor Ed Lawson, city councilmembers, city officials, and donors in attendance. At his State of the City Address, Mayor Lawson mentioned that a 41-year-old Sparks resident was able to enjoy a swing at the new park, something she’s wanted to do her entire life.
“It’s a great place for our respite and caregivers, too. It’s cool,” Lawson beamed.
The city chose the Sparks Marina to install its newest all-abilities playground due to its various amenities and centralized location. It’s also been the reoccurring site for popular annual events such as Kids Free Fishing Day, the dragon boat festival, and the Mark Wellman Day & Abilities Expo.
The all-abilities playground at the Sparks Marina was approved in May 2019 as part of the city’s Capital Improvement Plan. More funding was secured through monies received from the Reno Rodeo Foundation in the amount of $120,000; an $80,000 contribution from the Sparks Rotary Club; and $10,000 from The Ozmen Foundation.
The first City of Sparks all-abilities playground was installed at Pah Rah Park on Vista Boulevard in 2012.
“Providing accessible resources for our residents is important to all of us at the city,” said Mayor Ed Lawson. “We have heard so many in the community tell us how much they love the amenities at Pah Rah Park, so we are beyond excited to bring this new addition to the Sparks Marina.”
New Sensory Sound Garden at the Spanish Springs Library
Over on Pyramid Way, the Spanish Springs Library also just installed its new Sensory Sound Garden open to all ages, 24 hours a day. Next to the octagonal-shaped building near the east-facing picture windows, a relaxing outdoor area features a Cavatina Xylophone, a Diatonic Freechime, and two sit-on cajon drums for people of all ages to play with and make music together.
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