Calabasas may build park for children with disabilities





By Michael Picarella
pic@theacorn.com

Kids love playgrounds, but not all children can play on standard playground equipment—especially kids with disabilities.


The city of Calabasas may build a universally accessible playground at Gates Canyon Park in Calabasas. The city council identified the site last week and city staff was instructed to complete the planning.


"This is a city project, but it will reach out regionally," said Cala-basas Community Services Director Jeff Rubin.


"It could reach out to youth in Ventura County, Sherman Oaks, Malibu. What’s great about this playground is that the able-bodied kids will be able to interact with the non-able-bodied kids," Rubin said.


Last year a group of residents called for a park for children with disabilities. An advisory committee is working with city staff to create a playground that mirrors the Shane’s Inspiration concept in L.A.’s Griffith Park.


It’s a playground where children of all abilities—even those in wheelchairs and leg braces—can play together.


Similar playgrounds have been sprouting up nationwide after one of the first was built in October 1996 in West Hartford, Conn., according to sources.


Universal playgrounds are usually larger than standard ones and feature slightly modified equipment. Some of the swings, for example, have high backs or armrests to accommodate children with special needs.


Children who use wheelchairs, walkers or canes or who have sensory or developmental disabilities can use at least 70 percent of the play equipment––without leaving their support devices behind, sources said.


But no such playground exists nearby (aside from the Griffith Park playground and another in Brentwood), according to Rubin. A handicapped-accessible park is needed here, he said.


A federal government survey in 1995 showed that one in every 10 American children—about 5 million—has some kind of disability. Calabasas is stepping up to the plate, Rubin said, to help those youngsters.


The city, which has already allocated $100,000 for the expected $800,000-plus project, is hoping for a $600,000 grant, according to Rubin. With grant money and effective fundraising, the project at Gates Canyon Park could begin early next year, he said.


The project would include additional parking, and the restrooms would comply with guidelines set forth in the Americans with Disabilities Act.


"None of this has been proposed to council at this time," Rubin said. "We’re just in the planning stages."


Rubin said he hopes the park will be completed within four to six months after it begins.


Gates Canyon Park was a great location for the retrofit, Rubin said, because it soon would have been due for significant refurbishment.



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