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The wait is over: Chester County's first playground for people of all abilities is open

Herald - 11/11/2021

Nov. 10—CHESTER, S.C. — Two years ago, a group of community leaders in the city of Chester came together with an idea: Create a place where all children could play together.

The renovated Wylie Park on West End Street opened Saturday and is the only American Disabilities Act-compliant park in Chester County. The project cost $150,000, funded by the city of Chester, nonprofit organizations and grants.

The park had previously been difficult for people to navigate in a wheelchair. Plus, there was water drainage issues that caused flooding.

The community was so eager to enter the park, officials said, visitors had to be turned away Friday.

So on Saturday, watching people enjoy Chester's park when it opened was emotional for Angela Douglas, especially during a pandemic after many people have been stuck indoors. Douglas, a former city councilwoman, worked with now Mayor Pro Tem Carlos Williams to initiate the creation a more inclusive park.

"When you see people enjoy it, you know that your work has not been in vain," Douglas said. "To see the kids, to see the elderly, able to go out there ... to see adult handicapped individuals able to enjoy a day at the park has been extremely rewarding."

Even S.C. State Rep. Randy Ligon (R-SC-43), who represents Chester, took a turn on the swings.

Making an inclusive park

A grant of $65,000 from GAF Community Matters, a roofing and waterproofing manufacturer in Chester, helped fix the drainage problems. The city's parks and recreation department staff also helped.

"To see all the different walks of life come together to support (the park), on a Saturday when it was cold and windy, and feel the appreciation, that makes it all worthwhile," said Mark McAtee, who worked with GAF on the project.

Improvements include ADA-compliant playground equipment that is wheelchair and handicapped accessible and adding a sidewalk encircling the park to improve accessibility. Other improvements include adding fall-resistant ground cover and paving the parking lot.

On Monday night, city Parks and Recreation Director Chris White spotted a dozen children playing at the park around 8 p.m. Although the park closes at dusk, White said he decided to let them just enjoy the moment.

This story was originally published November 10, 202112:48 PM.

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