The Dream Field Playground at Windsor Park was recognized with top national honors by GameTime Playgrounds at the 2018 National Recreation and Parks Association conference. GameTime, manufacturer of the playground equipment used to build the Dream Field Playground, selected Grove City for its Play Has No Limit: Inclusion Champion Award in the category of play spaces that serve all development levels. The Grove City project bested those in larger communities including Santa Clara, Calif., and Springfield, Mo.
The playground was determined to best exemplify the seven principles of inclusive playground design, which focus on fairness, inclusion, smartness/sensory feedback, independence, safety, activity and comfort.
The Dream Field complex also earned statewide recognition from the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association, a non-profit, public interest organization representing 1,900 professionals and citizen board members supporting park and recreational facilities and opportunities while preserving natural resources. Grove City topped all other projects in Ohio to claim first place for a capital improvement project valued between $1 and $2.5 million. Judges used metrics including innovation, resourcefulness, sustainability and community impact.
“The acknowledgements and recognition from recreation and parks professionals across the country are an appreciated confirmation of what Grove City community members already know,” said Mayor Richard “Ike” Stage. “Yet most gratifying is the prize awarded through the smiles of children who come from all over the region to use the facilities.”
All children have needs and a desire to play, interacting socially with others within their environment regardless of ability. Enabling children of all abilities to experience the fun of a playground helps foster the important physical, social, intellectual and emotional development that comes with play. The Dream Field Playground is unique, as a space that encourages interaction for children of all abilities – a win for all. These connections and interactions help develop comradery and understanding that facilitate more comfortable, positive interactions as adults.
The Dream Field complex includes the Mirolo Dream Field at Mount Carmel Stadium and supporting structures (spectator seating, scoreboard, etc.); restroom facilities and a concession building with a benefactor recognition wall/walk; the Baseball for All Family Shelter; and the Dream Field Playground.
For more information, visit GroveCityOhio.gov or call the Grove City Parks and Recreation Department at 614-277-3050.
