Sugar Land Opens First Universally Accessible Playground

https://web.archive.org/web/20170911120706/http://www.sugarlandtx.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=719

Sugar Land, TX - The City of Sugar Land recently opened its first universally accessible playground at First Colony Athletic Park.

A ribbon cutting ceremony on Oct. 3 included City officials, the Sugar Land Legacy Foundation and members of the Dream League.

This unique playground serves as a place where all children can play together and foster friendships in a welcoming and safe environment. The 5,500 square foot playground includes new “inclusive” equipment with longer platforms and ramps. Other added amenities include bonded rubber surfacing that makes it easier for wheelchairs and children with disabilities who need a more even surface to access the equipment.

The City worked with the Dream League to identify appropriate improvements at the park and the nearby baseball complex. The Dream League was established in 2007 as a challenger division of First Colony Little League to enable children with physical and/or intellectual disabilities from all over Fort Bend County to enjoy the game of baseball.

Funding for the project was raised through a capital campaign launched by the Sugar Land Legacy Foundation, a group that collected $200,000 from a variety of private donors, granting organizations, and businesses. Combined with a contribution from the Sugar Land 4B Corporation, a total of $400,000 was collected to reach the funding goal to construct the playground.

Donors to the project included The Jabez Foundation, The George Foundation, The Fort Bend Junior Service League, Sugar Land Rotary Club, The Sugar Land Skeeters Baseball Foundation, Paul and Manmeet Likhari, Don and Celia Olson, the Rotary Club of Fort Bend County, Minute Maid, the National Recreation and Park Association, Longhorn Steakhouse, Macy’s First Colony, MOMS Club of Sugar Land North, Chloe & Tayte Choudhury and Tanches Global Management.

The new playground replaced the former playground at First Colony Park and provides a place where all children can play together and foster friendships in a welcoming, safe and accessible environment.

Photo Caption: An official ribbon-cutting ceremony commemorated the opening of a universally accessible playground at First Colony Athletic Park. Participants included Sugar Land Legacy Foundation Board members, members of Sugar Land City Council, city management and the players and coaches from the Dream League.