Note: This story has been updated for clarity.
The City of Cupertino opened its first all-inclusive playground earlier this month at Jollyman Park, offering new space for recreation and social interaction for people with autism, sensory challenges, and cognitive, developmental, and physical disabilities, as well as those without special needs.
The grand opening celebrated the culmination of a seven-year, $5.4 million effort to provide a welcoming, engaging space for individuals of all abilities and ages. Designed by MIG, the playground provides about 0.85 acre in core play area plus a landscaped buffer area at its edges with a green lawn, a looped pathway system, and beautiful large trees. Playground features include a slide hill, nonverbal communication signage, accessible swings and sand play area, an interactive art feature, a net climber, and a chalk art wall.
Mayor Liang Chao called the playground “a joyful and essential space where everyone can experience the freedom and fun of play.”
The playground was funded through a combination of state, county and city funding via public grants, matches, in-lieu fees and public and private donations.
Photo courtesy of the City of Cupertino.