Newport Beach Unveils First Inclusive Playground

Categories: CharityCommunityEvents/What's HappeningNews

The newly opened inclusive playground at San Miguel Park in Newport Beach.

News Summary

Newport Beach has inaugurated its first inclusive playground at San Miguel Park, designed to be accessible for children of all abilities. This 5,500-square-foot facility, realized through a six-year initiative led by local resident Alexis Portillo, features innovative structures like a long tube slide and a supportive ‘wee-saw’. The project, costing approximately $900,000, aims to promote inclusivity and community engagement while providing a safe space for children with disabilities. The city’s leadership highlighted the playground’s significance during the dedication ceremony.

Newport Beach has officially dedicated its first inclusive playground at San Miguel Park, designed to be accessible to children of all abilities. This 5,500-square-foot play area marks the culmination of a six-year initiative led by local resident Alexis Portillo, aimed at creating a safe and engaging facility for her nonverbal sister, Alanis.

The newly renovated playground features a long tube slide that can be accessed via a spiraling belt of suspended play mats, removing the traditional barriers of stairs and ladders. Among its amenities, the playground includes a reimagined see-saw, known as a “wee-saw,” which is constructed with supportive seating to accommodate children who require additional assistance. Additionally, the playground boasts over 20 accessible ground-level play features and other elevated components, ensuring diverse ways for children to engage in play.

This project, which cost approximately $900,000, received partial funding through federal Community Development Block Grant allocations. The city leadership highlighted the importance of this initiative during the dedication ceremony, commending the Portillo family and the many supporters involved in the project. Newport Beach Mayor Joe Stapleton remarked on the playground’s role as a space where children of varying abilities can connect and grow together, further enhancing community inclusivity.

Alexis Portillo’s journey began when she was in sixth grade, advocating for an ADA accessible swing at Coastal Peak Park. Her efforts led to the installation of swings for children with disabilities in four other local parks, laying the groundwork for this inclusive playground project. Sean Levin, the Director of Recreation and Senior Services for Newport Beach, noted that the grand opening signifies a collaborative community effort, highlighting the principle that all children deserve a place to play.

The dedication ceremony saw several city leaders recognize not only the Portillo family’s contributions but also the significance of the playground as a pioneering model for inclusive play in the region. Former Mayor Will O’Neill praised Alexis for her proactive advocacy that benefits a wider array of residents, stressing the positive impact that such initiatives can have on the community.

Perla Portillo, the mother of Alexis and Alanis, also expressed her gratitude regarding the playground, stating that the facility feels like a “blessing” for families in the area. She noted the scarcity of all-inclusive parks in Orange County, emphasizing the importance of this new playground in serving the needs of children with disabilities and their families.

The San Miguel Park inclusive playground is seen as a vital step forward amidst ongoing national challenges regarding Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. It is hoped that this playground will not only provide a safe space for play but also inspire similar projects in other communities. With its state-of-the-art design and commitment to accessibility, the playground sets a new standard for inclusive recreational facilities in Newport Beach and beyond.