Elmhurst Opens Its First All-Accessible Playground

Elmhurst’s new Playground for Everyone has been open a week, and, judging by its initial success, this weekend it’ll be just as popular as last.

Elmhurst Park District officials cut a ribbon last Saturday to celebrate the reopening of Butterfield Park and its new all-accessible playground, the Pioneer Press reported. District officials said it’s the first of it’s kind in Elmhurst.

Park District executive director Jim Rogers said his team focuses on reworking one of its playgrounds each year, and that planning for the new and improved playground at Butterfield started in 2015.

It was clear from the beginning of the planning stages that this one was going to be different.

The main idea: this playground would be one accessible to all kids, including those with mobility challenges and developmental disabilities like autism, Down syndrome and celebral palsy, and include play areas and structures that were sensory-rich.

The all-accessible playground was born out of inspiration from a Special Kids Day and the People for Elmhurst Parks Foundation, the Press reported.

Judging by the reaction of 11-year-old Hope Jendreas, who uses a wheelchair, the effort was a success.

"We're really excited about it," said her mother, Dottie, helping Hope get in place on a large wheelchair-accessible glider.

"She can get on everything," Jendreas said. "It's great that our community does this.

The playground is barrier-free and also includes ground-level play structures, safety surfaces and a quiet escape zone. The total amount that went into the project, according to Board President Vince Spaeth, was $600,000. Sponsors and contributions from the community made up $250,000 of that number, while park district money filled in the rest.

"I'm proud to be part of an organization and a community that allows that to take place," Spaeth said.

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