Jaycee Park Development
If We Build it, They will PLAY!
Jaycee Park is a premier park in the City of Berkley. Nestled near Beaumont Hospital on the border of Berkley and Royal Oak, it is a destination for residents, non-residents, hospital employees, and people from all over who enjoy its mature trees, walking path, pavilion rental for parties, and playground for children. This 2.7-acre park is a true treasure for the community and beyond.
We plan to maintain the rich character of Jaycee Park while bringing many of the amenities at the park into the 21st century for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy.
We have the vision to build an inclusive playground at Jaycee Park with updates to the pathways, a new playscape, and to increase the accessibility and use of the park.
A Multi-Generational Gathering Space
For community enjoyment, socialization, healthy bodies, and imaginative fun.
What is Inclusive Play?
An inclusive playground is one in which children and adults of all abilities can interact with each other and do what everyone wants to do: PLAY!
Inclusive play goes beyond the required ADA accessibility requirements to create play experiences that meet a variety of needs and interests. These environments are sensory-rich and enable children to develop physically, socially, and emotionally. Inclusive playgrounds are engaging places that provide the just-right level of challenge and offer opportunities to succeed.
Inclusive playgrounds also allow adults of varying ages and abilities to actively engage with children in their care.
Benefits and Reference of Inclusive Play:
- Challenges and inspires kids physically, supports and stimulates them cognitively, and facilitates an emotional and social connection.
- Inclusive playgrounds are open and safe spaces, carefully designed to promote play among children of differing abilities, ages, and communities.
- An accessible playground makes interactive, friendly play more likely, enriching people and communities with an appreciation of diversity and inclusion.
Check out our FAQs here!
Current Plans for the Park
The Parks & Recreation Department toured several inclusive playgrounds in Southeast Michigan. These walkthroughs in addition to their knowledge of inclusive play have helped inform the foundation for the play we hope to see at Jaycee Park.
We believe it is important to provide access for all residents and non-residents with a wide range of design elements for all children and people of all ages to interact. The city has identified that an inclusive park and playground are needed at Jaycee Park as it is the ideal place to have this type of development. Not only will this development serve Berkley residents, but this park will showcase the high standards we strive for in the community and the region.
There are several play elements that we plan to have as part of this park design. Below are a number of those elements:
- Soft surface design throughout the entire play area
- Zip Krooz –Double Track Line with accessible swing
- We-Go-Round spinner
- Cozy Dome
- Friendship Swing and other accessible swings
- Ramp accessible large play structure
- Sensory panels and music
- Accessible seating near the play structure
Thanks to the support of the community, we are building a park space that will be a vibrant and significant location spot for more Berkley enjoyment, socialization, healthy activities, and imaginative fun!
Below is a breakdown of the park renderings provided by Penchura, a specialized inclusive park development firm. Installation is scheduled for Spring 2023!
