FOND DU LAC, Wis. — The City of Fond du Lac is now home to an accessible playground and Miracle League of Fond du Lac complex for people of all abilities to get outside and play.
The city had a ribbon cutting ceremony to open the playground and baseball field at Plamore Park on Tuesday.
“The City of Fond du Lac is proud to open Plamore Park to the community,” shared City Manager Joe Moore. “This new addition to the city underscores our continued commitment to ensure every kid has a place to play, and have fun with their friends and family.”
The city allocated $1 million of American Rescue Plan Act federal funding for the project’s construction. Construction started in Aug. 2022.
The playground was designed, installed and manufactured by BCI Burke.
“Our investment in Plamore Park will foster a sense of community and inclusivity for all of our residents,“ said Director of Public Works Paul DeVries. “We look forward to welcoming everyone to an improved communal space to enjoy new opportunities for recreation and community connection.”
The playground is "completely barrier-free” and includes rubberized surfaces. It has accessible equipment for kids with physical, cognitive and sensory disabilities. The playground also has a multi-purpose court for games such as basketball and pickleball.
The Miracle League of Fond du Lac program will offer inclusive and adaptive baseball for kids and adults with disabilities. Miracle League is a softball team for kids in wheelchairs, kids who have amputations and those with other disabilities.
The new baseball field features rubberized turf that is wheelchair and mobility device accessible. The flat surface also works to prevent injuries while allowing access to people who are visually impaired.
The baseball field also has wheelchair accessible dugouts and wide walkways. It’s completed with an accessible parking lot, sheltered concession stand, scoreboard and bleacher seating.
The field is sponsored by Brooke Industries, Inc.
“We are honored to launch the Miracle League of Fond du Lac into the array of services Brooke Industries provides to individuals in Fond du Lac and surrounding communities,” expressed Executive Director Kelli Hughes. “We expect to electrify the Plamore Park complex with this unique and inspiring baseball league that generates a rewarding experience for participants, families, spectators and volunteers.”
While the playground and baseball complex were created with people with disabilities in mind, the city said it wants to encourage people of all abilities to enjoy Plamore Park and “continue to nurture the values of inclusivity and acceptance within the community.”
The new park will be available for everyone to use, and not just those with disabilities.
“When a space accommodates a wheelchair, it also works for a parent pushing a stroller, or families bringing a cooler for their picnic,” The Ability Center (TAC) said. “Universal means everyone can benefit and participate." TAC is a Wisconsin-based nonprofit that works to create "universal, inclusive and adaptive sports, fitness and recreation oppurtunities." It is currently leading an accessible park project in Wauwatosa, Wis.
An estimated two out of seven families are impacted by disabilities, according to TAC.
According to TAC, inclusive physical activity areas are also important for physical health. About 47% of adults with a disability said they did not engage in aerobic activity. TAC said 54% of those with disabilities do not get lesisure-time physical activity at all; that number rises in the winter. Obesity rates in those with disabilities are 57% higher than their able-bodied peers.
Physical activity can directly benefit mental health, too. TAC said 33% of those with disabilities report periods of depression; only 14% of their peers without disabilities reported periods of depression.
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