 - Eastern Shoshone Tribal Health celebrated the soft opening of its new playground last month, marking the completion of an outdoor movement center designed for all ages and abilities.){kind=link}
(Fort Washakie, WY) – Eastern Shoshone Tribal Health celebrated the soft opening of its new playground last month, marking the completion of an outdoor movement center designed for all ages and abilities.
The playground was funded through a $1.1 million grant from Wyoming Outdoor Recreation, facilitated through the Wind River Development Fund.
“This is not costing the tribe a single penny,” WRDF Executive Director Paul Huberty said. “All of this is really a gift to the community.”
‘Inclusive playground’
Located adjacent to the track and field at ESTH, the playground features equipment intended for both children and adults, including elders and individuals with disabilities.
ESTH Director Dave Meyers said his team was able to work closely with the WRDF staff to ensure a variety of uses and equipment were available at the playground.
On one end of the playground, for example, the team prioritized a focus on mobility and balance, offering equipment that can be used by adults – especially elders.
In the middle section, meanwhile, children can enjoy strength-based equipment that resembles an obstacle course, while the other side of the playground is intended to support access for children in wheelchairs.
“This is an inclusive playground and has different access points for children with disabilities,” Meyers said. “It took a lot of planning (and) a lot of work.”
The feature was installed by Playground Boss of Texas, which also provided the turf, and local contractors contributed to the project as well, including B&M Septic and Excavation, which managed the dirt, and O&H Concrete & Flooring, which built the concrete curb surrounding the playground.
The movement center will eventually be fenced, and restrooms and a concession stand will be added, but in the meantime, ESTH encourages its use with proper safety precautions.
Huberty said the reward for the WRDF is to see the community come together and enjoy the activities, as pictured below.
To learn more about other projects visit wrsagefund.org/wy-outdoor-recreation/.
