Summary:
Discover the exciting plans for an inclusive, 10,000-square-foot destination playground at Sharon Woods, designed to welcome children of all ages and abilities with natural materials and experiences. Great Parks' $3 million project will transform the park into a treasured regional asset, offering endless fun for toddlers to tweens.
Great Parks will begin construction on a new 10,000-square-foot destination playground in Sharon Woods, featuring natural materials and experiences that complement the surrounding park while welcoming children of all ages and abilities.
The new playground was designed through extensive dialogue and input from the public. It will be one of five refreshed play areas envisioned in the Park and Facility Master Plans for Great Parks. The groundbreaking ceremony was on April 10, at the new playground site next to Sharon Centre.
“This playground is the latest example of our continuing partnership with the community and will become a signature experience that enhances Sharon Woods as a treasured regional asset,” said Todd Palmeter, Great Parks CEO. “Children and families are going to love this inclusive new adventure where they will create memories to last a lifetime.”
The new playground will be over twice the size of the playground it replaces, delivering hours of fun for all ages, from toddlers to tweens. The playground’s inclusive design will be accessible for children with a wide range of abilities.
The playground will incorporate themes reflective of the unique character and landscape of Sharon Woods, taking inspiration from the rocky outcrops and waterfalls found in the Sharon Creek Gorge and local wildlife. For example, a planned accessible play unit is in the shape of a crayfish, while elevated nest structures will invite climbing and sliding. The playground’s design was influenced by multiple touchpoints with the public, including an interactive workshop with children.
The total approximate cost for the project is $3 million. Funding for its construction comes from the 0.95-mill levy approved by voters in 2021 to support critical infrastructure needs and master plan initiatives.
Input from the public in the Park and Facility Master Plan also calls for improved play facilities at Miami Whitewater Forest, Sharon Woods Harbor, Winton Woods, and Woodland Mound. Adding these play experiences is planned for future years.