SEYMOUR — First Selectwoman Annmarie Drugonis is advocating for the construction of an all-inclusive playground at Chatfield Park.
Drugonis pitched building a “sensory” playground during the Board of Selectpersons meeting on Tuesday (March 19). A sensory playground goes beyond the traditional swings and slides, incorporating elements to stimulate various senses like touch, sight and sound.
Playgrounds with all-inclusive features can benefit all kids, including those with sensory challenges, autism, visual and auditory impairments, and cognitive, developmental and physical disabilities.
“I’d been getting some requests when I was out door-knocking from residents who said, ‘we don’t have a park in town where all kids can go together and play,’” Drugonis said. “We want Seymour to be inclusive for everybody. What better place than to have it at Chatfield Park where there’s a walking track, there’s basketball courts, soccer and softball fields?”
There is an existing playground at Chatfield Park on Chatfield Street. Drugonis said part of that playground would be removed and replaced with new playground equipment. The current swing set at the park, which includes two handicapped swings installed last year, will remain intact.
The cost for the playground, including installation, would be about $65,000. Drugonis said the town would use American Rescue Plan Act, or ARPA, funds to pay for the project. A town meeting to get residents’ approval has been scheduled for 6:30 p.m. April 2 at Seymour Town Hall.
Drugonis received price estimates from MRC Recreation, a company in New Jersey.
Drugonis’ proposal includes installation of three freestanding, tactile panels geared to stimulate sight, sound and touch, along with a freestanding discovery cave for kids ages 2 – 5 with primary colored grips to encourage kids’ sense of adventure and exploration. The main playground unit that will be installed is geared to kids ages 5 – 12 and will feature classic slides, climbing features and some sensory panels, as well.
“I’m really happy about the sensory park, it’s a great thing for children with disabilities,” said Seymour Deputy First Selectman Al Bruno.
Drugonis said the public works department will remove part of the existing playground to make way for the new and improved playground, do the site prep work, and lay down mulch. She hopes to have the new playground installed and ready for use this summer.
