Sweet Shade Universal Playground has been named the Best Project of the Year by the American Public Works Association Southern California Chapter!
The project, which involved intentional design and comprehensive planning, was selected from more than 200 nominations submitted by 75 agencies throughout the region.
The universal playground is located within the 7.9-acre Sweet Shade Neighborhood Park. The park is also home to the Sweet Shade Ability Center, where the City’s Disability Services program offers activities for individuals with sensory, physical, or cognitive disabilities to enjoy alongside their families. The creation of the City’s first universal playground complements the Ability Center and expands inclusive recreational opportunities for all Irvine residents.
The playground is wheelchair accessible and includes multigenerational play components to support usage by those with disabilities, as well as their parents and caregivers. It features an outer space theme and includes adaptive swings; a court with creatively angled, curved, and uniquely configured basketball backboards; a sensory garden; and an adjacent restroom with an adult changing area.
When receiving news of the award, Mayor Larry Agran said: “Sweet Shade has always been one of my favorite neighborhood parks. The new universal playground has made it even better by adding a beautiful outdoor play space for families of all ages and abilities to gather and make memories. I want to thank everyone involved in the planning and construction of this remarkable project, especially our wonderful community members who donated their time and talent to make sure we could create a space for everyone. These are the sweet, individual acts of kindness that uplift our entire Irvine community.”
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