MICHIGAN CITY — By this time next year, the hope is to have a playground for all children, no matter what their abilities, at Michigan City’s lakefront.
Plans for the all-inclusive playground at Washington Park were unveiled Monday with help from U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan, D-Highland, who helped secure $1 million in federal funding toward the projected $5 million price tag.
He described his effort to compete for the funds as “one of those that is worth fighting for.”
Another $2 million has been approved by the City Council and Redevelopment Commission.
Park Department Superintendent Shannon Eason said grant applications with the Health Foundation of LaPorte and the Indianapolis-based Lilly Endowment, if approved, will provide another $1.75 million toward the playground she described as “life changing” for some future users.
Securing those grants would leave $25,000 to raise.
Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch said her goal is to begin construction early next year and have the playground open in the fall.
“I know it’s a very short timeline but I know that we can do it,” Deuitch said.
The safe surface playground would be on a half-acre near the Guy Foreman Amphitheatre on the east side of the park.
Among the features would be a play tower, adaptive swings, slides, sensory panel and music, fox den hangout, tree top climbers and a double zip line with a handicapped accessible seat.
Plans also call for a "pier" with small boats, fitness equipment, a fish play structure along with handicapped accessible bathrooms, an entry plaza and various sculptures.
Eason said there should be something for all children, including those with a wide range of challenges, whether physical, mental, audio or visual.
“Our playground was thoughtfully designed with one core principle in mind. Everyone, regardless of ability, should have the opportunity to play,” Eason said.
A walking trail with a soft surface is also planned for use by children and adults.
“We’re sending a message that every individual deserves to be seen, heard, valued and included,” she said.
Mrvan said the potential of the playground to have a positive impact is enhanced by the lakefront.
He compared it to what happened years ago when Wicker Memorial Park in Highland added a 2.5 mile walking trail.
“That walking trail was an anchor because seniors and people came to it every single day to utilize it and enjoy the beauty,” he said.
Eason said such facilities also become sources for children no matter what their differences to interact and connect with others.
“They teach our children the values of empathy, respect and understanding,” she said.
Deuitch said the playground, included in the 2021 park department master plan, should make the lakefront even more of a destination because not every community has such a large all-inclusive facility.
She said a fund has been established with the Unity Foundation of LaPorte County for people wanting to contribute toward future construction and maintenance of the park.
“This is a labor of love from us to make sure that this happens,” she said.
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