Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the current playground being replaced?
The current playground was installed in 2002 with the support from a generous donation from the Bristol Rotary Club. Unfortunately, the current playground has reached the end of its lifespan and we are no longer able to reliably get parts to fix the aging equipment. As such, more and more of the playground has been taken off line as it breaks. In addition, playground accessibility, inclusion, and safety standards have changed in the past twenty-four years, and we are excited to upgrade to a newer and more engaging playground that will serve the community for years to come.
 
What is happening to the old playground?
The old playground will not be removed until the new playground has been completed and opened to the public. 

What is happening to the splash pad?
The Page Park Splash Pad is currently located inside the playground. The Splash Pad will be relocating to its own area separate from the playground, but nearby. Similar to the playground, The Splash Pad will also be relocated further up into the park and will be more centrally located to the Page Park Pool, Perry Spinelli Pavilion, Page Park Pond, and the future Great Lawn. The splash pad and the playground will be located on either side of the Great Lawn overlooking Page Park Pond. 

I need a wheelchair to access the playground, how can I use the new playground?
All playgrounds must be designed to meet the accessibility guidelines outlined by the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design. The playground options below include poured-in place surfacing to facilitate movement around the playground area, ramps or transition platforms for moving through the play structures, and ground level play features, in order to facilitate different options for play. In addition, a universally accessible playground with ramps is going to be installed at Rockwell Park in 2027 with funding from the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership. 

What makes a playground inclusive?
Serving the needs and abilities of a variety of playground users is how an inclusive playground lives up to its name. Everyone can’t do everything, but making sure everyone can do something is how we create equity. BPRYCS has worked with Kompan to develop playground options that were created with universal playground design principles to create inclusive opportunities for all users, regardless of the design chosen. Learn More

How has inclusion been incorporated into the planning process?
The current playground was installed with the support of the Bristol Rotary Club as part of an initiative to create an “All Children’s’” playground that was accessible to children with disabilities in the community. Bristol Parks, Recreation, Youth and Community Services (BPRYCS) is committed to upholding the legacy of the All Children’s playground in the future playground. BPRYCS surveyed the parents of children in the Bristol Public Schools special education program to get feedback on how their families use playgrounds and what features make playgrounds most inclusive of their needs. The feedback gathered was provided to the Kompan and was used to design the two playground options below. Elements incorporated from the survey include (but aren’t limited to): the incorporation of fencing (not pictured in the renderings), ramps, ground level play equipment, multi-generation play, sensory and balance equipment, and areas for socialization.
We are now soliciting community feedback (below) as to which playground best meets the needs of the Bristol community.