CAMP HILL, PA — The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation (PPFF) has announced the recent dedication of a new accessible playground at Little Buffalo State Park, highlighting its commitment to inclusivity in recreational spaces. This innovative playground is designed to ensure all children, regardless of their physical abilities, have the opportunity to engage in enriching and meaningful play.
The significance of play in childhood development is well-documented by organizations like UNICEF and the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is a crucial component for cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development. Through play, children develop problem-solving skills, creativity, and critical thinking, while also enhancing memory and language abilities. Importantly, play fosters social connections and emotional growth, contributing to a well-rounded and healthier childhood.
Marci Mowery, President of PPFF, highlighted the playground’s role in promoting these developmental benefits for every child. “Play is not only essential for cognitive and emotional growth, but also for fostering social connections,” Mowery stated. “This inclusive playground reflects our mission to ensure Pennsylvania’s outdoor spaces offer meaningful experiences for everyone.”
However, accessibility in play areas is a pressing concern, as not all children have equal opportunities to engage fully. Wheelchair users often face significant barriers that hinder their ability to participate. The new playground at Little Buffalo State Park addresses these challenges by incorporating accessible equipment and adaptive play features, ensuring a barrier-free environment for all children.
The playground’s establishment is the fruit of collective efforts involving community sponsors, Little Buffalo State Park staff, and the Friends of Little Buffalo State Park, a chapter of PPFF. Major funding was sourced from the Partnership for Better Health, Globus Medical Equipment, and several VFW posts, among other generous contributors. Additionally, DuMor Inc. donated benches to the project.
Craig Bachik of Navaro and Wright Consulting Engineers, Inc. contributed pro-bono services for the design of the playground’s rubberized surface, while the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps assisted with the final site preparations. The park staff played a crucial role throughout each phase of the project, ensuring its successful completion.
Jessica Fischer, Park Manager at Little Buffalo State Park, emphasized the value of inclusive spaces. “State parks offer invaluable spaces for families and individuals to experience the outdoors, and this new inclusive playground is a shining example of how we are making sure those experiences are accessible to all,” Fischer stated. With approximately 270,000 visitors each year, many from neighboring states, the playground is poised to serve as a model for future inclusivity projects within the Bureau of State Parks.
In addition to the playground, the park and Friends Group have consistently advanced inclusive recreational opportunities, such as the ADA-accessible canoe and kayak launch unveiled in 2020. As noted by Mowery, these efforts illustrate a continued dedication to making Pennsylvania’s parks accessible to all, with plans for further inclusive projects on the horizon.
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