By Anita Weier
Northside News
It’s a playground that is usable for all, despite any handicaps.
The Frautschi Family Accessible Playground near the Rainbow Shelter at Warner Park is a colorful and valuable addition to Warner Park. The Frautschis gave generously to the project, as they have to many other community projects. Several local foundations also contributed.
Speaking at a ribbon cutting ceremony in August, Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway stressed that, though the playground was designed to allow access to people with disabilities, it is a playground for “all Madison kids.”
The barrier-free playground has a poured-in-place rubber surface that allows better wheelchair movement and roll-in access. There is a wheelchair-accessible swing, as well as a touch-and-play musical panel. Educational features include communication boards for the less verbal, a place to practice math, and a sign language exhibit.
The steel and other metal parts are powder-coated to regulate temperature, but they will remain hot to the touch during extreme weather. Shade trees may be located nearby, but park users are urged to consider local heat warnings.
Madison has two other accessible playgrounds at Brittingham and Elver parks. Rebecca Hoyt, a disability rights and services specialist for the city, said she hopes there will be more barrier-free playgrounds in the future.
