Post Date: 08/28/2023 1:45 PM

City receives donations for two more inclusive play pieces
Community support helped make this possible

The We-Go-Swing at West Wetlands Park will be joined by two more inclusive play pieces, a We-Go-Round and a Sway Fun Glider, thanks to community donations.

Inclusive playgrounds are designed to provide positive experiences for children of all backgrounds and abilities, allowing them to engage without limitations. The We-Go-Swing was the first inclusive play piece installed in the Yuma parks system this summer. In the spring of 2024, the We-Go-Swing will be joined by the We-Go-Round, which is similar to a merry-go-round, and a Sway Fun Glider, which will allow for two wheelchair users to be on the glider at the same time.

The generosity of the community helped make this possible, including donations from three final sponsors, Charlotte Jones and her sister Lynn Newcomb, Titan Solar Power, and Yuma Regional Medical Center (YRMC), as their contributions completed the inclusive play project at West Wetlands Park.

Continue reading here.

Post Date: 06/01/2023 2:21 PM

Playground improvements to be unveiled June 3 Includes first inclusive play piece at West Wetlands Park.

The Yuma Inclusive Play Project unveils its first Inclusive Play Piece, the We-Go-Swing, at West Wetlands Park, the We-Go-Swing, which has a universal design that allows children of all abilities to use the swing at the same time. It’s the first of several new inclusive play installations planned for the Yuma Parks system. Inclusive playgrounds are designed to provide positive experiences for children of all backgrounds and abilities, allowing them to engage without limitations.

Money for the We-Go-Swing comes from Inclusive Play Project donations as well as fundraising and charitable donations made through the Liggett family, established by a local family to bring inclusive play opportunities to Yuma parks.

“The introduction of inclusive play elements to our parks system is going to be a game changer for many families in and around Yuma,” said Parks and Recreation Director Eric Urfer. “We are very thankful for the Liggett family and the many donors and grantors that have stepped forward to make this possible. This is an exciting time for our parks system. There is much more to do and we are just getting started.”

Click here to read the full news release.

While the playgrounds throughout the parks system are accessible, they do not currently provide inclusive play opportunities. Staff is working on identifying ways to make our Parks system more inclusive, by:

• Introducing individual inclusive play pieces to existing playgrounds when possible. Examples of inclusive play pieces include the WE-GO-SWING, WE-GO-ROUND, PLAY-SWAY FUN,  and COMMUNICATION BOARDS. Click here for more information.
• Designing new playgrounds, splash pads, and support facilities with full inclusion in mind.
• Adding the appropriate number of ADA parking spots to serve parks with new inclusive play pieces.   
• Incorporating a large-scale inclusive play space at East Mesa Park.

TOGETHER LET’S MAKE PLAY ACCESSIBLE FOR ALL

Together, We Can Make Play Accessible for All!

Inclusive play structures are very expensive and will be added to the City’s parks system as funding allows.  The Parks and Recreation team will continue to apply for grants and budget to add inclusive play pieces to our parks in the coming years. 

The public can help accelerate the process by getting involved in a number of different ways, including:

• Donating directly to the inclusive playground project.
  Click here. 
• Sponsoring one or several pieces of equipment. Sponsorship opportunities include a permanent plaque and vary in size/cost.
• Providing in-kind contributions (non-monetary) to support inclusive play such as marketing support, publicity, or materials.
• Inviting Parks and Recreation team members to your service or community group to talk about inclusive play.
• Volunteering at community events that promote inclusive play.

Spreading the word and sharing the importance of inclusive play with family and friends. 

To learn more about getting involved contact Eric Urfer, Parks and Recreation Director at Eric.Urfer@yumaaz.gov.

Let's talk: Inclusive Playgrounds with Charlotte and Lynn

Inclusive Play Project: The Liggett's