'For everybody and every body': Nation's largest universally accessible park breaks ground in Wauwatosa
WAUWATOSA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee County has around 15,000 acres of parks and yet, not one is dedicated to being fully accessible for people with disabilities -- until now.
July 26, 2023, marked the 33rd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, a landmark civil rights law passed in 1990 that ensured that differently abled people would have the same rights and opportunities as those who are able-bodied.
Wednesday also represented a celebration of its own in Wauwatosa, where dozens came out to Wisconsin Avenue Park for a groundbreaking ceremony to highlight what will become the nation's largest universally inclusive park.
"What we often do is build inclusive playgrounds, but every playground is in a park and every entire park should be inclusive," said Damian Buchman, the founder and executive director of The Ability Center. “Access does not mean opportunity and opportunity is where it really matters, and so we’re trying to give everybody that opportunity to play together. We help those with disabilities play together with those they love most.”
Wisconsin Avenue Park will change to Moss Universal Park when the $10-million-dollar project is completed over the next couple of years.
The 18-acre grounds will feature recreational areas and amenities that are designed specifically for individuals of all ages and abilities, including inclusive restrooms, sensory rooms, a family fitness area, picnic areas, enhanced baseball fields, trails, a challenge course and more.
"Seasonal, adaptive equipment will be available for free rental including bikes, trail chairs, and cross-country skis," a news release said.
Did you know #MilwaukeeCounty has 15,000+ acres of parks & yet, not one is dedicated to being fully accessible for people w/ disabilities? That changes today, after a groundbreaking ceremony in #Wauwatosa for what will be the nation’s largest universally accessible park. pic.twitter.com/m5FB2AdBI1
— Ellie Nakamoto-White (@ellienw_news) July 26, 2023
It's the power of play reimagined, to make the park accessible for everybody and every body.
But currently, officials are at less than half of their total financial goal, putting them at just above $4,000,000 raised.
The completion of this project is key for children like 13-year-old Alena Kretchmer, who was born with femoral hypoplasia-unusual facies syndrome that affects one out of 500,000.
“When I was younger, my elementary school playground was not accessible, so I was not able to go on it with my friends or anyone, so I just had to sit by myself and so now I’m really excited that they’re making a playground for kids with all abilities," Kretchmer said, adding that she wishes parks like Wauwatosa's existed earlier.
As a wheelchair, walker and crutches user, Kretchmer noted she was most excited for "the ramps."
“It’s easier for me and other kids with walkers or wheelchairs to get on, so now I can actually play on the playground," Kretchmer said.
Her mother, Valerie, described her daughter as a "bright light" and her "inspiration."
“That’s the mistake I think everyone makes is, it’s just a playground," Kretchmer said. "Well, no, you have grandparents, you have parents with disabilities. I always say it’s the largest minority that we are all going to be a part of someday so we should be making everything inclusive.”
Speakers at the groundbreaking also included Milwaukee Co. Parks Exec. Director Guy Smith, Lt. Governor Sara Rodriguez, State Senator Rob Hutton, and State Rep. Robyn Vining.
The first phase of the project, which includes the development of the park clubhouse, playground, baseball fields, and parking lot, is expected to be completed by the summer of 2024.
The entire park is expected to be ready by the summer of 2025.
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