November 25, 2014 - Mayor Tom Henry, Parks & Recreation Director Al Moll and City Councilman Glynn Hines joined area preschool children today to dedicate the McMillen Park Kid’s Korner Indoor Playground. The accessible playground is the largest indoor playground in the region.
Children of all ages and abilities are invited to experience the 2,500 square foot, accessible playground. The theme of the playground, “Imagination in Motion,” encourages social interaction, cooperative and imaginative play, along with cozy places and auditory stimulation. It also includes a NEOS 360, like the popular interactive game at Taylor’s Dream in Kreager Park. NEOS combines the speed and fun of electronic games with aerobic exercise, delivering a workout comparable to jogging or playing soccer, raising heart rates by an average of 20%.
“The McMillen Park Community Center continues to be a tremendous asset for Fort Wayne,” said Mayor Henry. “We’re providing unique opportunities for children as we work together to make a meaningful difference and enhance the quality of life we enjoy.”
“This playground was one of the most requested projects, from youth and their parents, during the public input planning sessions we held to determine the best use of this property,” said Director Moll. “It has truly become a community-wide endeavor, with 96% of the playground funded with private donations. It will be a well-used, well-loved activity center for children of all abilities.”
Funding for Kid’s Korner was donated by: McMillen Foundation, Fort Wayne Park Foundation, AWS Foundation, Journal Gazette Foundation, Wilson Foundation, Rolland Foundation, Arnold Foundation, and the Downtown Optimist Club.
The playground was designed and built by GameTime Playground Company and installed by Sinclair Recreation. The NEOS 360 is provided and installed by Playworld Midstates Company.
Features of the playground:
Ramps that provide access throughout the play structure that are wide enough for parents and children to walk or pass alongside one another.
Accessible, interactive game and puzzle panels that encourage social and cooperative play, enhance gross and fine motor skills and promote sensory integration.
Activities like the Rock-N-Raft that allow children with a mobility device to experience motion play.
Stainless steel slides so that children with Cochlear implants can enjoy sliding play without concern.
GT Jams Musical play activities like drums and electronic instruments that allow children to express their creative side.
Crawl tubes and tunnels that provide discovery play elements as children explore the play system.
The playground was designed with safety in mind, including unobstructed visibility from seating outside the play area and a thick, recycled rubber tile surface provided by Sof’Surfaces.