PLANT, Fla. — Plant City is making changes to ensure all its parks are accessible to people with disabilities.
Gilchrist Park recently opened, and it is a glimpse of what residents can expect to see throughout the city.
From more parking spaces to a first-of-its kind communication board, Plant City leaders are hoping to make even more changes to its parks, making them accessible for all.
Parks have a way of sparking enjoyment in kids like Maren Blankenbaker.
“In a lot of ways, it’s like physical therapy disguised as fun,” says her mother, Lindsey Blankenbaker.
She said that Maren Blankenbaker has cerebral palsy which affects her balance and posture. Parks have always been something her daughter has enjoyed.
Now she’ll have a place she can access at her own pace, thanks to park and recreation efforts to ensure all its parks are ADA compliant, starting with Gilchrist Park.
“Disability can be very isolating without spaces like this,” said Lindsey Blankenbaker.
She said her daughter still needs adaptive equipment. This park can accommodate that with swings for wheelchair users and sensory friendly equipment too.
Julie Garretson, the city’s director of Parks and Recreation, says more accessible additions are on the way.
“Washington Park, we’re adding some sidewalk systems. It’s a new park we’re developing just outside of Sadie Gibbs. We’re also putting in a new splash park and playground at Sadie Gibbs property as well,” Garretson said.
Garretson says picnic benches are also being changed to accommodate families who have a wheelchair. And a messaging board will help children who may be non-verbal.
Blankenbaker says it can be hard to find places that are adapted to her daughters’ needs.
“The fact that it’s not just accessible but it, like, encourages and empowers our kid’s independence, that’s cool too,” she said.
She believes it is a step in the right direction to improve outdoor spaces.
“It’s awesome to see the city saying this is where we we’re going to focus, because these kids matter,” she said.
It’s a space every child can enjoy, no matter their disability.
The Parks and Recreation Department is also looking to get into the realm of adaptive sports. Pending city commission approval, it is looking to bring a miracle league to the city.