Variety – the Children’s Charity has completed a $475,000 campaign and is scheduled to break ground on the 9,600 square foot, all-inclusive Variety Star Playground in Noelridge Park on May 15.  

The Variety Star Playground will be the first all-inclusive playground in Cedar Rapids. It will be ramped for accessibility, have a poured in place rubber surface and will provide opportunities for children and adults of all abilities to interact together through play. The playground includes shade canopies, play structures to promote core strength, harnessed swings and a saucer swing that allows children to lay flat to experience sensation of swinging.

Variety has selected Cunningham Recreation, a company that specializes in all-inclusive playgrounds nationwide, to build the playground. Upon completion, the playground will be gifted to the city of Cedar Rapids. The city’s parks and recreation department will be responsible for maintenance and upkeep.

The Importance of All-Inclusive Play

According to 2010 Census data, just over five percent of school aged children in the United States have a disability. The Playground will allow everyone to play as independently as possible while providing a safe environment that allows children of all abilities to develop their skills through fun and challenging play opportunities.  

Play is fundamental to a child’s development, and children with disabilities deserve the opportunity to be socially accepted and included in play with their peers. The Playground aims to encourage interaction, break down barriers and foster friendships.