White Plains Opens Inclusive Playground and Fitness Area at Kittrell Park
The City of White Plains officially opened its new playground and fitness area at Kittrell Park on Friday. The playground replaces an older, existing play structure with a fully accessible and adaptable one for all children, ages 2 -12, to enjoy. It features a colorful array of play structures, including slides, ramps, wiggle ladder, lollipop climbers, play panels, a wobble pod and a poured-in-place rubberized safety-surface.
One of the primary attributes of the playground is that it was designed to be “inclusive” including equipment and materials that would provide children with disabilities the ability to play alongside and with other children.
“This type of playground will become our new standard,” said Mayor Tom Roach at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the park. “As we are able, we will upgrade the city’s other play structures in this same manner so that the end result at each will be a safe and inclusive playground for all children.”
In addition to the playground an outdoor fitness area has been incorporated into the footprint of the facility to make the park a “fitness destination.” The fitness area offers equipment for users 14 years and older and includes stations for: Ab Crunch, Leg Lifts, Cardio Stepper and Elliptical, Chest/Back press, Pull-up/Dips, Squat Press, Tai Chi Wheels and Plyometrics.
The most recent upgrades complete a two-year, full renovation of this heavily used park. Last year, the city replaced the aging pool with a new pool.
The playground renovation was greatly assisted by a state grant of $125,000 obtained with the assistance of State Assembly Member Amy Paulin.
“The parks and playgrounds are an important part of the fabric of White Plains,” Paulin said during the ribbon cutting. “That particularly holds true for the playground at Kittrell Park. I am proud that I was able to help secure the funding needed to build a new playground. I hope the children will be able to enjoy it for years to come.”
Kittrell Park is located at the corner of Fisher Avenue and Irving Place.
