New, Inclusive Playground at Wheeling Park Playground Aims for Late-May Opening
Derek Redd Trending
WHEELING -- With several pieces of equipment going up starting last week, the Wheeling Park playground is projected to be ready for the community to enjoy just in time for summer.
Oglebay Marketing Director Wendy Hodorowski anticipates the playground will open "toward the end of May." However, any inclement weather will delay the project. Hodorowski added that a formal dedication ceremony for the community is in the works for "sometime in June barring any unexpected weather delays."
The work left to do at the site before opening day includes installing playground equipment, landscaping, pouring in safety surfaces and completing updates to the playground shelter.
Apart from improving existing facilities at the park, the updates will earn the site the distinction of the largest and most inclusive playground in the state. Hodorowski said the play space will provide elements for all age groups -- from infants to grandparents -- to enjoy regardless of physical or social barriers.
The playground has also earned the title of a National Demonstration Site for Inclusive Play, meaning the newest products in inclusive play will be introduced at the park.
As part of the distinction, commercial playground equipment manufacturer GameTime will perform a series of surveys to determine how guests use and respond to new activities at the site.
"The playground is designed to incorporate nature into the play space and provide multi-generational, inclusive and accessible play," said Hodorowski.
New inclusive elements will include a sensory wave ramp, interactive educational panels, shaded gathering spaces, quiet decompression areas, braille alphabet and number panels, rock climbers and musical instruments.
A dedicated parking lot located on the National Road side of the park is another feature that will increase accessibility to the space by providing an open path to the playground for those with disabilities.
Classic playground equipment, such as rockers, climbers, spinners and swings, will also be available to enjoy at the park. Expression Swings, which allow an adult and child to swing together, is another new piece of equipment that will be rolled out at the park.
As these new playground features are added, Hodorowski noted that Oglebay officials see new families walking by the park "everyday" to monitor the progress and counting down the days before opening.
"We have received very positive feedback from the community so far regarding the inclusive updates," added Hodorowski. "Everyone is excited and is looking forward to the new elements."
The Land & Water Conservation Fund, the Edith L. Trees Charitable Trust, the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, and the Stamp family will fund the $1.2 million renovations.
Hodorowski noted that the playground updates align with WPC charter member A.C. Stifel's vision "to create a dynamic place for all Wheeling children to recreate and play in the outdoors."
In addition to fulfilling a founding WPC member's vision for Wheeling Park, Hodorwoski explained that the Stifel Playground renovation "continues a strategic focus" of improvements to the facilities and activities of Wheeling Park that have been taking place over the past five years.
The James B. Chambers Memorial Ice Rink and the White Palace have seen updates along with the addition of the Fitzsimmons Family Dog Park and the Hofreuter Wellness Path. The new indoor tennis bubble, improvements at the Bloch Memorial Golf Course, a partnership with the Wheeling Country Day School to create an educational center and the launching of Funfest Fridays are other improvements to park facilities that Hodorwoski identified as fulfilling Stifel's vision.
Additional updates community members can look out for this year at Wheeling Park include new pedal boats for Good Lake and updates to the Sprayground and Schwertfeger Shelter. Hodorowski added that future capital projects, such as possible renovations to the park's mini-golf course, will "require the generosity of donors."
"Regarding future projects, the Wheeling Park Commission and Oglebay Foundation will continue working to improve and activate Wheeling Park and create spaces to improve the quality of life in our community," said Hodorowski.