A new, inclusive and sensory-friendly playground is now open at Garland’s Central Park, 1310 W. Avenue F, in close proximity to the Granger Recreation Center. The new playground is designed for children of all abilities to play, learn and grow together and to support park patrons with a variety of physical, sensory and cognitive needs.
“Central Park has been without a playground since 2012,” said District 2 City Council Member Deborah Morris. “Today we’re delighted to unveil Garland’s newest playground, an exciting $900,000 project, which is the first in the city, thanks to suggestions from Garland families to include fun sensory-friendly elements! It’s been a long time coming, but it’s been worth the wait. Come out and play in the fresh air and sunshine!”
The 6,500-square-foot playground includes playable lawn space contained within a 4-foot gated fence as well as ample shade provided by a combination of mature trees and shade structures. Poured-in-place rubberized safety surfacing allows full mobility. Plentiful seating is provided with long, integrated seat walls and picnic pads.
A drinking fountain is conveniently located within the fenced area, and the playground is near the park’s restroom building. In addition, site lighting is provided around the perimeter of the playground, and parking with ADA accessibility is available.
“Our Parks & Recreation slogan is ‘Get Out & Play,’” said Garland Mayor Scott LeMay. “We encourage all citizens of Garland to do just that. This new playground reinforces that message and makes ‘play’ more accessible to all. I’m very proud of this addition to our parks system and I’m looking forward to all the playground equipment updates we have planned around the city.”