Photo by Kay Turner Waggoner via Facebook.

The city of Santa Clarita’s first inclusive play area is coming to Canyon Country Park, following the City Council’s approval of a contract to begin the project at its meeting on February 12, 2019.

The play area, which will include elements that welcome those of all abilities, is planned to open in late 2019.

Playgrounds can offer many opportunities to further develop physical, cognitive, sensory and social skills. An inclusive design includes a balance of play experiences to build these skills. The project will include the design and construction of a new inclusive play area at Canyon Country Park, located at 17615 Soledad Canyon Road, where everyone, regardless of ability or age, will be able to play, learn and grow together. The play area will include a shade structure and will measure approximately 8,500 square feet upon completion.

“Play is the universal language of children,” said Mayor Marsha McLean. “All children, regardless of ability, should be able to enjoy the playgrounds in our parks and this new inclusive playground in Canyon Country Park will make that possible. Inclusive playgrounds mean that all children will be able to enjoy mingling and friend-making, and we are proud to provide this opportunity.”

New seating areas for children and adults will be joined by new landscaping surrounding the play area. Accessible connections to existing facilities, including the preschool building, restrooms, picnic shelter, walkways, trails and parking will also be added to Canyon Country Park.

The city of Santa Clarita will hold two public outreach meetings to obtain community input and feedback about the project. Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2019, with project completion anticipated for the end of this year.

For more information about the new inclusive play area project at Canyon Country Park, please contact Elena Galvez at (661) 255-4911.