Westwood Project Shows Possibility Of Fully Inclusive Playground

WESTWOOD, MA — As plans for Westwood's new elementary school arise, two co-chairs of the Westwood Commission on Disability want to share their ideas on how to make a more inclusive and universal outside space for everyone to play together and safely.

Based on the current schedule, if the project is approved by residents, Westwood students and teachers will move into the new Hanlon-Deerfield Elementary School in February 2024.

While the existing Hanlon School will be demolished and the new fields, parking lots, and trail will be completed by August 2024.

Rania Kelly, of the Westwood Commission on Disability, says she and her co-chair Anne Berry Goodfellow want to showcase the idea that disabled children should not have to feel left out, or targeted with a universal playground.

The two say they would like to see a playground where all children can play, and they add that when a universal design is done well, it doesn't take away from how fun the playground is to children.

"We just want this idea to be considered as the Town Planning Board designs the landscape plan and exterior of the building," Berry Goodfellow added.

"I take my son to different playgrounds in Westwood and none of them are accessible," says Kelly, whose son is on the spectrum. "It's something that seems to fall through the cracks, and doesn't get enough attention, but it is such an important part and is part of the new school's programming."

Berry Goodfellow says they are not looking to reprimand designers who have not made other areas accessible for the disabled, she says, "People just don't know what they don't know."

The two say their whole idea is just to inform the public, let the Town of Westwood know that this idea is possible, and make life easier for everyone.

"This school, this area is going to be around and used for another 50 years," Berry Goodfellow said. "Why not make it inclusive to all?"

Ideas for making the playground more inclusive include: railings that can be painted for the visually impaired, latches for gates that make sure children are safe, merry-go-rounds that can be wheelchair accessible, and swings that can fit all.

A Town meeting is scheduled for October 18 to discuss further ideas on the elementary school.