Farrow Riverside Miracle Park is seen on August 7, 2019. Photo by Mark Brown/Blackburn News.Farrow Riverside Miracle Park is seen on August 7, 2019. Photo by Mark Brown/Blackburn News.
Windsor

'It's important for the community to know that it exists'

Windsor's newest option for all-inclusive play has gotten a look from some special guests.

The steering committee behind the creation of the long-awaited Farrow Riverside Miracle Park invited a group of people with disabilities to test out the 14,000 square foot playground during a special event Wednesday morning. The event was attended by local accessibility advocates and Windsor-Tecumseh MP Cheryl Hardcastle. The purpose of the special event was to allow people to test the equipment and amenities and let the steering committee know what their thoughts were.

The playground held a soft opening two weeks ago for the general public, and Bill Kell, co-chairman of the Miracle Park, told BlackburnNewsWindsor.com that there has been universal acclaim and people have been coming from all over.

"We're getting people here, not only from east Windsor but they're coming from west Windsor, Amherstburg, LaSalle, Tecumseh, Belle River," said Kell. "They've heard about the playground, that it's open, and they've come."

Volunteers from Assisted Living Southwestern Ontario (ALSO) supplied a barbecue lunch for those invited to attend. Guests easily mingled with other visitors who ran, jumped on the soft rubber surface, and climbed on the assorted structures, each created with the idea that everyone can use them.

Peter Best of the Windsor Accessibility Advisory Committee and a Miracle Park steering committee member, said a day like Wednesday was important for those with disabilities to experience what the playground had to offer.

"It's important for the community to know that it exists," said Best. "Today we should have a special day for people with disabilities can come, feel comfortable, and have a chance to touch, explore and know what this equipment is."

Kell said the committee is already working on a picnic pavilion in response to feedback about the need for more shade. More rubbish cans are being added as well.

As the playground gets plenty of use, crews continue to prepare the rest of the Miracle Park property, including the baseball diamond, which Kell said they hope to have ready by early October.

Financial support for the park is always welcome. Complete information is available on the official Miracle Park website.

Farrow Riverside Miracle Mark, Windsor, August 7, 2019. Blackburn News file photo.Farrow Riverside Miracle Mark, Windsor, August 7, 2019. Blackburn News file photo.

Peter Best of the Windsor Accessibility Advisory Committee, right, and Logan Best at the Farrow Riverside Miracle Park in Windsor, August 7, 2019. Photo by Mark Brown/Blackburn News.Peter Best of the Windsor Accessibility Advisory Committee, right, and Logan Best at the Farrow Riverside Miracle Park in Windsor, August 7, 2019. Photo by Mark Brown/Blackburn News.

Volunteers from ALSO set up a barbecue at a special event at Farrow Riverside Miracle Park in Windsor, August 7, 2019. Photo by Mark Brown/Blackburn News.Volunteers from ALSO set up a barbecue at a special event at Farrow Riverside Miracle Park in Windsor, August 7, 2019. Photo by Mark Brown/Blackburn News.

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