GOSHEN — An inclusive playground to be used by those who are handicapped or have disabilities is about ready to open in Goshen.

The $800,000 project could be open for play about this time next month. It’s designed for people of all different abilities at the site near Hay Park.

The goal is to “make sure that we have something for everyone,” said Tanya Heyde, park superintendent. “We hope for children and adults and seniors of all abilities, and you know some different pieces, that they can really interact with, even some quiet zones.”

Most of the playground equipment is in place. Two different phases of the project are happening at the same time.

“One in the site work where the sidewalk concrete work is going in, and the parking lot, and some of the entrance and exit drives,” said Heyde. “Then the second part of that is the playground equipment installation itself, as well as the playground surfacing.”

Cost for the playground itself is around $400,000, and site preparation cost was also around $400,000.

She says the project ultimately came about with the help, support and guidance of many different groups, organizations and people who felt there was a need for this type of facility that could be used locally, as well as around the area.

“Everybody is welcome to come,” said Heyde. “We definitely feel like this will be a destination playground.”

Work is slated to wrap up around the middle of next month.

“We are hoping to plan for an opening, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, sometime mid-to-third week in September,” said Heyde.

Source: WSBT