Plans are underway for the construction of a first-of-its kind all-abilities park in Farmington.
The park would go up at the site of the former Tibbets Middle School, located at 312 East Apache Street.
The more than 75-year-old school was demolished in 2017, with Farmington Municipal Schools donating the 7-acre site to the City of Farmington last year.
Upon that transaction, the city applied for and received a Resilient Park Access Grant through the National Recreation and Park Association. A $300,000 grant was subsequently awarded to cover the cost of construction design documents for the all-abilities park.
Aspects of the park, the plans for which are open to public input, could include a skate park, walking trail, and zip line.
A press release issued by the City of Farmington said the park will also feature “visual impairment areas, therapeutic elements, outdoor musical instruments, adaptive swings and wheelchair swings,” along with shade structures and bathroom facilities.
All-abilities and inclusive parks are specifically designed for children with disabilities and are increasingly seeing construction across the country.
According to the site GameTime, such parks typically include accessible ramps, climbers, and transfer platforms, and are located at supervised places with accessible routes of travel.
It is expected that it will cost around $13 million to build the Farmington all-abilities park, with funding coming from a variety of public and private sources.
By Garry Boulard
