Lily Cantú Inclusive Playground Master Plan

If you weren't able to make the public meeting, don't worry, we recorded the meeting for the much-anticipated Lily Cantu Inclusive Playground.project. Please let us know your thoughts.

If you haven't already, don't forget to fill out the survey by going to the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DentonInclusivePlayground

Today is the day! If you haven't already, click the link below to receive the direct link to tonight's meeting. Looking forward to seeing you there! Together, let's make Denton a place where everyone feels welcome and included.

Location: Virtual Community Meeting #1 Zoom Link

Date: Thursday, March 28, 2024

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Are you ready to be a part of shaping a more inclusive future for Denton? We are thrilled to invite you to an engaging virtual meeting hosted by the Parks and Recreation Department to provide residents like you with an update on the much-anticipated Inclusive Playground project.

Date: Thursday, March 28, 2024

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Location: Virtual Community Meeting #1 Zoom Link

This project is not just about building a playground; it's about creating a space where every individual can play without limits. Join us as we strive to build a community that embraces diversity and ensures that everyone PLAYS!

Mark your calendar and be a part of this exciting initiative! Your input is invaluable as we work towards creating a playground that truly reflects the needs and desires of our diverse community.

Together, let's make Denton a place where everyone feels welcome and included. We look forward to seeing you at the meeting!

We're embarking on an exciting journey to create an inclusive playground for our community, and we need YOUR input to make it truly special! We're launching a survey to gather valuable insights from our community members. We want to hear from parents, caregivers, children, educators, and anyone else passionate about making PLAY inclusive for everyone.

We aim to design a playground where everyone feels welcomed, included, and able to play without barriers. We believe in creating a space that celebrates diversity and promotes accessibility for all.

Your feedback will help us understand what features are most important, what challenges need to be addressed, and how we can make our playground a place where every child can thrive. Whether you have personal experiences to share, innovative ideas, or suggestions for improvement, we want to hear from YOU! Your input will directly impact the design and implementation of this project.

Click the link below to take our survey and participate in this incredible journey toward inclusivity! Please share this post with friends, family, and anyone interested. Together, let's create a playground where EVERYONE PLAYS!

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Q9T3YXN

The city's master plan efforts are in full swing, with the consultant and city staff now embarking to the engagement stage. Going beyond the traditional public engagement meetings, the city is establishing a focus group comprised of subject matter experts. These experts bring extensive firsthand experience in working with individuals with disabilities, those who have personal disabilities, or individuals who serve as caretakers for people with disabilities. This distinguished focus group will serve as an invaluable resource, perfectly complementing the ongoing public engagement efforts.

The primary objective of these collaborative gatherings is to allow the focus group members to act as an essential sounding board. Their role will be to provide insightful critique and invaluable feedback on various critical aspects, including conducting a comprehensive needs assessment, incorporating thoughtful design considerations, and achieving consensus on the overall vision. Ultimately, the city's aim is to create a universally designed playground that is truly 'barrier-free.' This exceptional space will feature inclusive areas of play that offer universal design features catering to individuals of all abilities, both physical and mental.

The following examples showcase the city's commitment to universal design and inclusive play opportunities. However, please note that these examples are subject to change based on the valuable input and feedback received from citizens through the ongoing master planning process.

1. Multi-sensory play
   1. Provide comfortable and supportive sensory stimulation through the natural environment and fabricated playground equipment for the facilitation of self-regulation and social participation
   2. Encourage developmental growth (motor planning skills and social and cooperative play) through the inclusion of the following play experiences: Spinning, sliding/rolling, rocking, swinging, climbing, crawling, arm strengthening, balancing, jumping/bouncing, walking/running, landscape, passive observation, cooperative play, and social interaction
      1. High play value equipment (climbing net structures, integrated elevated and ground level structures, etc.)
      2. Swings and slides catering to various levels of accessibility and age
      3. Musical elements such as outdoor drums or chimes
      4. Incorporation of textures, color, and natural elements (wood, water, stone, etc.)
      5. Opportunities for passive observation and self-regulation
2. Inclusive and Accessible play
   1. Play equipment modified to address the needs of those with physical disabilities, such as additional transfer stations and ramps
   2. Inclusion of equipment and play experiences specially designed for wheelchair use (such as swinging, spinning, and arm strengthening)
   3. Inclusion of equipment that can be accessed with the help of a caregiver, including nest swing, roller slide, etc.
   4. Widened slides for use by older individuals or in tandem with caregivers
3. Social play
   1. Emphasis on equipment and experiences encouraging group play and collaboration.
   2. Clustering of single-user play equipment to encourage group play (i.e., spinners, swings, etc.)
   3. Widened slides accommodating 2+ users
4. Safety, comfort, and access:
   1. Incorporation of play domes or shaded areas to provide a safe and comfortable space for calming, rest, and relaxation.
   2. Antistatic, antimicrobial safety surfacing materials such as synthetic turf with foam padding to cushion falls, reduce static shock interference and inhibit bacteria growth.
   3. Fencing around the entire play structure for safety, security, and peace of mind.
5. Wayfinding and universal communication signage:
   1. Installation of communication boards with symbols or pictures to facilitate communication for individuals with speech impairments.
   2. Addition of braille signage to provide information in a tactile format for individuals with visual impairments.
6. ADA site furnishings:
   1. Accessible tables and benches that accommodate individuals confined to wheelchairs.
   2. Water stations with accessible drinking fountains or bottle filling stations.
   3. Lean bars for momentary resting
7. Accessible pathways and ramps to and from the play area:
   1. Paved pathways and ramps that meet accessibility standards to provide easy access to and from the play area for individuals with mobility devices to support program elements such as pavilions, parking lot, and tables/benches.

On June 9, 2023, the Denton Parks and Recreation staff embarked on an insightful journey across the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) metroplex. Their mission: to visit several playgrounds in the area, seeking inspiration and gathering ideas to create an inclusive playground in Denton. By exploring existing designs and engaging with the local community, the Denton Parks and Recreation team aims to develop a space that caters to the diverse needs of all children, fostering inclusivity, accessibility, and playfulness.

The Importance of Inclusive Playgrounds

Playgrounds have always been an essential part of childhood, providing children with opportunities for physical activity, social interaction, and imaginative play. However, traditional playgrounds often fail to accommodate the needs of children with disabilities or special requirements, inadvertently excluding them from the joys of play. Inclusive playgrounds, on the other hand, are thoughtfully designed to ensure that children of all abilities can participate and enjoy themselves together, promoting inclusivity and equality.

Visiting Playgrounds: Insights and Ideas

The Denton Parks and Recreation staff embarked on their exploration across the DFW metroplex, visiting a range of playgrounds known for their inclusive design. The purpose was to gain first-hand experience and gather insights that would contribute to the development of Denton's own inclusive playground. Sits visited included: Casey's Playground Dream Park, Randol Mill Park, Bicentennial Park, Klyde Warren Park, Flag Pole Hill Park, and PlayGrand Adventures.

During their visits, the team paid close attention to various elements that make playgrounds inclusive, such as:

1. Accessible Equipment: The team observed playgrounds equipped with accessible swings, merry-go-rounds, slides, and climbing structures, allowing children with mobility challenges to engage in play alongside their peers.

2. Sensory Play: Recognizing the importance of sensory experiences, the staff explored playgrounds that featured inclusive sensory play areas, incorporating elements like musical panels, tactile surfaces, and sensory gardens. These additions create opportunities for children with sensory sensitivities or impairments to engage and explore in a way that suits their unique needs.

3. Inclusive Seating and Rest Areas: Playgrounds should provide ample seating and rest areas, accommodating individuals with varying levels of mobility. These spaces serve as inclusive gathering spots, enabling caregivers and children to socialize and relax.

4. Universal Design: The Denton Parks and Recreation team acknowledged the significance of incorporating universal design principles throughout the playground. They encountered playgrounds with smooth and level pathways, wide entrances, and clear signage, ensuring easy navigation for individuals using mobility aids.

Moving Forward: Designing Denton's Inclusive Playground

Armed with newfound inspiration and insights from their visits, the Denton Parks and Recreation staff will begin the process of designing Denton's inclusive playground. They will carefully integrate the elements they observed, focusing on accessibility, sensory play, and universal design, while incorporating feedback received from the community.

The development of an inclusive playground in Denton will undoubtedly serve as a beacon of inclusivity and promote social integration among children of all abilities. By providing a safe, engaging, and accessible space for play, Denton's Parks and Recreation department reaffirms its commitment to creating an environment where every child can thrive.

Photos from the playgrounds can be seen in the "Photos" section of this webpage.

On January 4, 2022, a resolution was adopted by the City Council, officially renaming the North Lakes Park Playground to the Librada "Lily" Cantú Playground. This decision was made in accordance with the City of Denton's naming policy, which provides a set of guidelines for the renaming of City facilities, buildings, land, and other entities.

Numerous applications were submitted to the city in 2020, including the Lily Cantú playground, which underwent a rigorous process of review and evaluation in 2021. Park and Recreation staff conducted several public engagement meetings, and recommendations were received from the Council-formed Ad Hoc Committee, Parks, Recreation, and Beautification Board, and City Council, in accordance with the City's Naming Policy.

Librada “Lily” Rose Cantú was a Denton native who spent her childhood playing at North Lakes Park. She attended Tomas Rivera Elementary School, Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, and Denton High School, where her passion for helping and volunteering with youth in need flourished. Lily was known for her dedication to marginalized and underserved communities, which led to her involvement in the nonprofit sector. After graduating from high school, she joined a nonprofit organization in Peru, where she worked with children with various medical and mental conditions. Lily's impact was profound and far-reaching, but tragically, her life was cut short at the age of 20. During the Council agenda regarding the consideration of the naming of the park, Lily's father, John Cantú, spoke about her inclusive approach to life.

Parks and Recreation staff have identified the Lily Cantú Playground as the first all-inclusive playground, which is envisioned to become a regional attraction. The funding for the construction of this project has been identified as a potential bond-funded project for a potential bond election this upcoming November 2023. The City appointed, Special Citizen Bond Advisory Committee will meet from April-June and provide recommendations of projects to the City Council by July. The master plan design for the Lily Cantú playground will begin this summer with several public engagement opportunities. For more information about Lily's inspiring story, please refer to the sources from the Denton Record Chronicle.

Sources:

Campaign to name park after Lily Cantú comes as Denton updates its naming policy | News | dentonrc.com

Denton City Council names playground to honor Lily Cantú, various other parks | News | dentonrc.com

Lily’s legacy deserving of lasting honor | Opinion | dentonrc.com

Librada "Lily" Cantu is shown in an undated photo with one of the many children she served as part of her missionary work in Lima, Peru - Picture from Denton Record Chronicle

On April 18, 2023 City Council took an exciting step forward in Strengthening Community and Quality of Life by approving a Professional Services Agreement with Mesa Design Associates, Inc. The agreement secures professional design services for the eagerly anticipated North Lakes Park Lily Cantu Inclusive Playground project.

Mesa Design Inc. will collaborate closely with the Parks and Recreation Department to develop a design plan that reflects community needs and preferences. The plan will be produced through a robust process of public engagement, focus groups, and board/commission feedback, ensuring that the final result is a playground that everyone can enjoy. The project is currently pursuing funding opportunities, and the current scope of work includes the creation of a final conceptual plan, as well as the preparation of 30% construction documents, which will lay the groundwork for the project's eventual construction.

To ensure that the project stays on schedule and meets the highest standards of quality, staff and Mesa Design Inc. will hold an internal kick off meeting. In addition, a focus group will be established to help shape the vision of the playground, and the first public meeting is scheduled for late summer/early fall.

Stay tuned for more information about this exciting project, as we look forward to making the North Lakes Park Lily Cantu Inclusive Playground a reality for all members of the community to enjoy.