|
Oct. 12, 2016
Contact: Amanda Hertl, 313-269-7430
Sigma Gamma Foundation brings first accessib le playground to Belle Isle Park
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has announced that Belle Isle Park now will be home to a nature-themed playground that is the first on the island to comply with access guidelines under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. It's all thanks to a generous gift from the Sigma Gamma Foundation.
The new, fully accessible playground will include a range of equipment that allows children of all abilities to enjoy the park's newest attraction and only accessible play area. The playground will be accessible at ground level and meets ADA standards. Poured-in-place surfacing and new sidewalks provide access to the play equipment.
The nature-themed playground is located between the Belle Isle Nature Zoo and Lake Muskoday. Two new accessible parking stalls for playground visitors have been constructed off Oakway Road.
The Sigma Gamma Foundation purchased the playground equipment and paid for installation. Site work was completed by DNR staff.
"On behalf of the DNR, I would like to extend a big 'thank you' to Sigma Gamma Foundation for this generous gift to Belle Isle," said Scott Pratt, chief of the DNR's Southern Field Operations. "The playground, which incorporates a playful nature theme, will be a popular attraction for visitors of all ability levels."
The Sigma Gamma Foundation, based in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, was established in 1955 and funds services for Michigan children with special needs and their families. Over the years, the foundation has donated more than $2 million to the Detroit Institute for Children.
Official opening Oct. 20
Construction will be completed this month. An official opening will be held Thursda y, Oct. 20, at 11:30 a.m. at the Belle Isle Nature Zoo, located at 1928 Lakeside Drive, following the 9 a.m. Belle Isle Park Advisory Committee meeting.
For more information, contact Amanda Hertl, landscape architect for the DNR, at 313-269-7430 or hertla@michigan.gov.
Belle Isle Park, a 985-acre island park located in the Detroit River near downtown Detroit, is rich with natural beauty and historical and cultural resources. The park is home to the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, walking trails, bicycle paths, a golf course, the James Scott Memorial Fountain and many more cultural and natural attractions popular with all ages and interests.
A Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry to state parks and recreation areas. Learn more about how the Recreation Passport gains you access to Michigan state parks and more at www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport.
Inside Michigan’s Great Outdoors subscribers are always the first to know about reservation opportunities, state park events and other outdoor happenings. Visit www.michigan.gov/dnr to subscribe now.
/Editors’ note: An accompanying Belle Isle Park playground announcement flyer and photo are attached.
A new playground offering greater accessibility to visitors of all abilities will open later this month at Belle Isle Park. The playground, the first on the island to comply with access guidelines under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act, was made possible with support from the Sigma Gamma Foundation. An official opening is set for Oct. 20./
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.
|
