© 2024 Maine Public | Registered 501(c)(3) EIN: 22-3171529
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Scroll down to see all available streams.

Maine's First Universally-Accessible Public Playground Opens

LEWISTON, Maine - Maine's first universally accessible public playground is getting its ribbon cutting. The Sun Journal reports the ceremony will take place Wednesday to celebrate the construction of Jude's Place playground at Marcotte Park.Democratic state Sen. Nate Libby, who helped push for the project, says he's excited for the project to be open to all kids to play. Libby's son, Jude, has cerebral palsy and is the playground's namesake.
 
The playground is fully wheelchair-accessible. It also has a rubberized surface and 19 pieces of play equipment.
 
The city secured private donations along with about $400,000 in Community Development Block Grant funding.
 
Lewiston Community Relations Coordinator Dot Perham-Whittier says more than 16 percent of about 5,500 Lewiston students have special needs.