Plano’s First All-Abilities Playground Now Open

Plano’s got a new playground – and it’s a very special one. On April 24 a dedication ceremony was held for the new all-abilities playground at Jack Carter Park, where the old Jack Carter Pool was previously located from 1981 until 2014.

The new playground serves children of all abilities and includes experiences that involve movement and climbing as well as a mix of tactile, visual and auditory features. The 2.61-acre park also includes a pond with a fountain, picnic tables, a covered pavilion, an overlook plaza and a trellis.

Ribbon cutting at Jack Carter Playground included Bruce Glasscock, City Manager; Gabriella Pate, Plano Rotary Club; Kelly Palmer, Plano Rotary Club; Camille Ussery, Plano Rotary Club; Mary Jo Dean, Plano Rotary Club; Plano Mayor Harry LaRosiliere; Robin Reeves, Director of Parks & Recreation; Rick Grady, Plano City Council; Lissa Smith, Plano Mayor Pro Tem; David Downs, Plano City Council // photos courtesy City of Plano

The $1.9 million Jack Carter Park project was gifted $25,000 last year by the Plano Rotary Club.

“The Rotary Club donation allowed us to add more funding to the playground, which enabled us to take it beyond a typical neighborhood park playground. The park provides unique equipment that is specifically designed for children with special needs,” said Robin Reeves, director of the Plano Parks and Recreation Department. “Without the additional funding, it would have been difficult for us to provide this type of equipment within the project budget.”

Dianne Dillon, adapted recreation supervisor for Plano Parks and Recreation, added, “To me, this park represents unity by making all feel welcome, with or without a disability.”

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