EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (WEAU) – What some call a well-known playground in Black River Falls, has received a whole new look thanks to their community coming together.

The playground received statewide recognition for its innovation, functionality, community impact and inclusive design.

Director of Parks and Recreation for the city of Black River Falls, Jarod Meyer, said the former playground “was in need of some upgrades and improvements, so three community mom’s kind of took the initiative to really get the ball rolling.”

One of the moms, Nicole Thompson said “We all saw a need in the community. We really enjoyed getting together and there was a whole crew of local moms that really enjoyed this park, but we saw that it wasn’t maybe the safest park. We also recognized that there wasn’t an all-abilities space within 40 miles of Black River Falls.”

The mom joined forces to get the job done despite challenges along the way. Thompson said “Our excitement carried us through forsure and we are just so lucky to be supported by the community we do have. We were able to get all of the fundraising done within a year, and then the park was officially phase one finished in about 15 months. Then phase two and phase three, we were able to finish in two years total.”

With dedication, everyone can now play no matter their abilities. Even consulting with schools, parents and physical therapists on what the playground could use to lend an extra helping hand.

“We hope that they feel like we’ve thought of everything that might be important to them. Including in phase three we added a handicap bathroom that also faces the park, that way families feel safe no matter what their needs might be here,” Thompson said.

With all the playground offers for kids, adults were also in mind. Even providing a walking trail that surrounds the playground, so you can get your steps in and keep a close eye.

“Really all ages and abilities are welcome to come and enjoy and interact and play at this playground,” Meyer said. Highlighting the playgrounds inclusivity made the work worth it. He said “I mean just from day to day it’s your community people it’s school field trips, it’s summer camps that visit this on a daily basis. Some days it’ll get close to 100 kids throughout the day.”

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