Project Overview

Following dozens of community meetings during the 2013 Victoria Park Master Plan process, a citizen-informed design was created for a universally accessible play area that reflects the needs of children of all abilities and their caregivers.  In keeping with the vision of the community, the Parks and Recreation Department received CIB funding for the planning and design of the play area.  It will be the first play area within Saint Paul that exceeds minimum accessibility standards.  Play is the first form of learning among children; this playground creates a safe, fun and developmentally appropriate place for children of all abilities to engage in play.  Play builds understanding, empathy, healthy bodies, and self-confidence.  Presently, there is no public play space in the Saint Paul Park system that meets the needs of people with a range of physical, cognitive and social/emotional needs. 

The play area is designed to ensure everyone safely enters and exits through the same location, visitors will pass through a gate flanked by two fully accessible restrooms.  A “front door” to the space, through which all begin their play experience, was important to parents of children with physical disabilities.  Rather than creating a separate accessible entrance, the site is inclusive and welcoming, regardless of visitors’ physical mobility.  Site amenities include: shade, accessible parking, play equipment (ages 2-12), benches/tables, and views toward the Mississippi River.

Project Updates

August 2, 2018:  Here are the renderings of the play area used for fundraising. 

October 5, 2016:  The final concept for the Universally Accessible Play Area presented to the community at the open house October 5, 2016 at Palace Community Recreation.

August 10, 2016:  The second universally accessible play area meeting was held on Wednesday, August 3 from 6 PM - 8 PM at the Palace Recreation Center.  See meetings below for more information.  The next meeting is on Wednesday, September 7, 2016 from 6 PM - 8 PM at the Palace Community Center.

June 21, 2016:  A Design Advisory Meeting for the Universally Accessible Play Area will be on July 6, 2016 from 6 PM - 8 PM at 740 Victoria Street South.

May 10, 2016:  The City of Saint Paul is currently developing a Design Advisory Committee for a Universally Accessible Play Area on the south side of Victoria Park.  Upcoming meeting dates will be published online.

Meetings

Meeting 4:  Public Open House, Wednesday, October 5, 2016, 6 PM - 8 PM at Palace Community Center

Meeting 3:  Wednesday, September 7, 2016, 6 PM - 8 PM at Palace Community Center

Meeting 2:  Wednesday, August 3, 2016, 6 PM - 8 PM at Palace Community Center

Meeting 1:  July 6, 2016, 6 PM - 8 PM at 740 Victoria Street South

Last Edited: June 1, 2023