The newly constructed playground at Schooner Creek Discovery Park (SCDP) will officially open following a ribbon-cutting ceremony held on Sat, Dec 14, 10am. The public is invited to gather at the park, located at 4815 SE 51st in Lincoln City, to celebrate the new inclusive and accessible playground, which includes features designed to make the playground enjoyable and safe for everyone of all ages.
The Dec 14th ribbon cutting event is hosted by LCP&R and Lincoln City City Council, with the Lincoln City Mayor, City Councilors, OR State Senator Dick Anderson, and other local leaders present. The communiy is invited to join the rain or shine celebration, enjoy free treats and prizes, and try out all the new playground equipment. The 1st 100 youth to attend the ribbon cutting will receive 2 free passes to the Lincoln City Community Center.
The City of Lincoln City furthers its commitment to inclusion with this opening of its first inclusive and accessible playground. Having wheelchair accessibility with multigenerational play components supports usage by those with disabilities, and represents the inclusive playground theme — “Where Everybody Finds Their Favorite Spot.” Lincoln City Parks and Recreation (LCP&R) conducted extensive public outreach to help shape the design of the playground and the overall park. The playground is inspired by the Siletz Bay, featuring four climbing structures resembling the Four Brothers rock formations and a play hill that is inspired by the sand spit along the Bay.
Inclusive equipment includes non-verbal communication boards; accessible surfacing throughout playground with contrasting surface colors for people with low vision; plantings that create enclosures at edges of playground; benches that have companion seats for people in wheelchairs; on the play hill, an accessible path to the top, and accessible slide with dignity landing; on the climber, a transfer station at the base with accessible belt climbers to access higher levels; swing types: a rope nest and other inclusive swings with varying challenges; cozy spots, logs, wood domes: offering quiet spaces to take a break; musical instruments which are accessible and engaging to the senses and much more!
“This inclusive and accessible playground embodies Lincoln City’s vision of welcoming all, making certain that everyone has access to outdoor recreational opportunities,” Lincoln City Mayor Susan Wahlke said. “I am very excited about the completion of this first phase of development at our new Schooner Creek Discovery Park. Since this new playground incorporates multigenerational play amenities to support use by those with disabilities and mobility needs, I look forward to many hours of fun here with my grandson.”
“Ensuring everyone has a welcoming and inclusive space to play is absolutely vital,” said State Rep. David Gomberg. “I’m so glad I had the opportunity to work with Lincoln City to deliver the City’s first inclusive and accessible playground. Schooner Creek Discovery Park reflects our shared commitment to equity, giving every child and family a chance to play, connect, and thrive regardless of ability.”
Schooner Creek Discovery Park is a 6.71-acre community park, whose completion is the #1 goal of the 2016 Lincoln City Parks System Plan. The park will also host many 1st public sites in Lincoln City (and the Coast!), such as the 1st inclusive and accessible playground, 1st permanent outdoor pickleball courts, 1st covered multi-sports court, and the 1st public turfed multi-sport field. The park will also contain a special event stage and lawn, picnic shelters, open space trail, and much more. The playground opening signifies completion of Phase 1 of SCDP, with Phase 2 construction (stage, promenade and lawn) to be completed in 2025, and Phase 3 (multi-sport courts and fields) to be completed in 2026.
The development and construction of this park is occurring via partnership with Lincoln City City Council, the Lincoln City Parks & Recreation Board, the Friends of Lincoln City Parks and Recreation 501c3, and the Design/Build team led by LC Parks & Recreation, LC Public Works, K&E Excavating, DOWL, and Understory Landscape Architecture.
The Phase 1 playground construction is funded in part through a number of donors and grants, including: Travel Oregon, Rep. Gomberg and Senator Anderson with advocacy for State Bill 5202, the Oregon Parks and Rec Dept, Christmas Cottage in Lincoln City, Ford Family Foundation, Friends of LCP&R, Lincoln County Community & Economic Development, Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation, Oregon Community Foundation, Oregon Parks Foundation, Pacific Power Foundation, Reser Family Foundation, Roundhouse Foundation, Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund and many other individual community donors.
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