The Eisner Park Playground got a big makeover this summer that will soon offer every child, no matter what his or her abilities might be, a great place to play in Champaign.
The renovations, which began in August, are wrapping up now. A grand opening to unveil the new accessible playground at Eisner Park, 1311 W. Church St., will be held on Oct. 12 from 1-3 p.m. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. The entire community is invited.
“I’m excited to have a park be accessible to all families and individuals so anyone of any ability can come and play with their kids,” said Dawn Schaefer, Director at Champaign-Urbana Special Recreation.
Schaefer, who worked with the Champaign Park District to help create the playground, said the improvements include over $100,000 worth of new playground equipment.
Eisner Park is located right next to the Hays Center on Church Street in Champaign, which is where the CUSR holds after-school programs, camps, and special events for people with disabilities within the Champaign-Urbana area.
Schaefer said the old playground included a couple of old, metal structures that weren’t “accessible for the individuals that we serve.”
So when it came time for the Champaign Park District to make improvements at Eisner Park, it made sense to ensure the playground was ADA compliant.
Some of the new features include an OmniSpin Spinner, a We-saw with back support, roller slides, bouncers, inclusive swings, several sensory panels and monkey bars. A basketball court and tennis court are also on site. The playground is recommended for children ages 2-12 years old.
“Everyone can find something fun to do,” Schaefer said. “I’m just really excited and I know the Champaign Park District is too. It’s a completely accessible park with brand new features (not found) at any other park (in Champaign),” she said.