NEWBURYPORT — The City of Newburyport will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony today (Thursday) at 4 p.m. to mark the completion of its first universally accessible playground at the Bartlet Mall, located at 149 High St.
The Bartlet Mall is Newburyport’s original town common and has been an integral part of the community for three centuries. Centrally located at one of the main gateways to downtown, it is a place for runners, strollers, ice-skaters and dog walkers, and plays a major role in hosting annual festivals and other cultural events. It is one of the most significant public spaces in the City because of its proximity to the downtown area, it’s beautiful setting and historical significance.
This project included expansion of the play space at the northwest corner, completion of slopes to match the remainder of the park, and extension of the promenade walkway that runs along High Street. The project also allowed the city to install its first universally accessible playground.
Unlike traditional playgrounds, the accessible features of this playground are integrated throughout the play space, with the purpose of integrating children of varying levels of ability, rather than segregating them, so every child can explore, play and socialize together.
The approximately $525,000 project received significant support from the Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant Program, the Community Preservation Committee, the Newburyport City Council, the Mayor Gayden W. Morrill Charitable Foundation, the Rotary Club of Newburyport, Newburyport Inclusive Playgrounds, the Joppa Group, and the City Improvement Society of Newburyport.
M.E. O’Brien & Sons provided design for the playground. The equipment is from Landscape Structures. Contractors included RAE Contracting, SumCo Eco-Contracting, Port Fence and DPS.