Anastasia State Park Unveils New Accessible Playground This Disability Pride Month!

Anastasia State Park, St. Johns County, Florida, USA - A new era of inclusivity has dawned at Anastasia State Park in St. Johns County with the opening of a fully-accessible playground this month. The timing couldn’t be better, as it coincides with Disability Pride Month, a celebration rooted in the empowerment of individuals with disabilities. This vibrant playground brings joy and play into the lives of all families and children, regardless of their mobility challenges.

The playground, adorned with a delightful sea turtle theme, has been funded entirely by generous donations. Key contributors include the Delores Barr Weaver Legacy, Friends of Anastasia State Park, and musical artists like Billy Strings and J.J. Grey & Mofro, who supported the initiative through the St. Augustine Amphitheatre. Delores Weaver, whose late husband was the founder of the Jacksonville Jaguars, directed an impressive $500,000 towards this project, which will also support an upcoming accessible playground at Fort Clinch State Park, currently under construction.

Access for All

Julia Gill Woodward, CEO of the Florida State Parks Foundation, stressed the significance of ensuring that everyone can enjoy the beauty of Florida’s parks. The new playground is designed with inclusivity in mind, making it accessible for wheelchairs and mobility devices, while also featuring sensory activities situated at ground level. Kathleen Brennan, President of the Florida State Parks Foundation Board, echoed this sentiment, praising Weaver’s monumental impact on creating accessible recreational spaces.

Community engagement has played a critical role in this project. Ryan Hall, Chief Marketing & Public Relations Officer for St. Johns County Cultural Events, Inc., highlighted the strong support from the community, which has rallied to make state parks a welcoming space for all. This playground isn’t just a place to play; it’s a beacon of hope for families, fostering curiosity and a connection to nature.

A Celebration of Accessibility

Accessibility isn’t just limited to Anastasia State Park. Throughout Florida, parks are striving to accommodate everyone. The William J. “Billy Joe” Rish Recreation Area on Cape San Blas, for instance, boasts a mile of pristine beach and fully accessible family-style cabins for overnight stays. The park became part of the Florida Park Service in 2021, furthering its commitment to inclusivity.

In addition to playgrounds, many parks offer wheelchair access to spectacular nature trails and boat rides. For instance, beach wheelchairs can be found at John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, while various other locations provide all-terrain wheelchairs and accessible fishing piers at Oscar Scherer State Park. It’s all part of the ongoing effort to promote accessibility across state parks, with the Florida State Parks Foundation leading the charge for more than 30 years.

This month serves as a poignant reminder to celebrate the strides made in accessibility, coinciding with the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. There’s a lot to discover in our state parks, from the tranquility of nature to the adventures awaiting families of all abilities. So, why not step out and explore? Whether it’s enjoying a new playground or taking a beach stroll, the possibilities are endless!

For more details about Anastasia State Park and other accessible amenities, visit Florida Politics and check out resources at Yahoo News.