Stow, Ohio Skip Playground Grand Opening

A hopscotch coursePhoto byJon Tyson, Unsplash

July 2, 2023, is the grand opening of Skip Playground in Stow, Ohio. It promises to be a playground for kids of all ages and all abilities.

Here is an overview* of what you can expect the park to include:

• Large-scale universal play facility
• Items such as sensory panels, a large play structure, musical instruments, spinning equipment, a ninja warrior course, and an inclusive whirl
• Benefits to people with and without disabilities and their families

Breakdown of Play Equipment

Inclusive Whirl

• Provides sensory input for all individuals
• Can be used by children and adults
• Can be used by individuals who use a mobility device without having to leave the device

Sensory Panels

• The textures on the panels are thick and are especially great for children with hyposensitive sensory processing disorder and children across the Autism spectrum
• Lots of vibrant colors and thick textures that provide tactile and visual stimulation.

Zip Line

• Provides proprioceptive and vestibular sensory experiences
• Allows children to practice social skills like waiting in line and helping others
• Proven to be a favorite piece of playground equipment for children of all abilities

Gen X Structure

• This structure is developmentally appropriate for children ages 5-12
• It has two towers, two slides, an upper and lower-level play deck, and a connecting skyway
• There are clear lines of sight from the ground, so parents can keep an eye on their children

Tots' Choice Structure

• Gives toddlers and preschoolers a climbing and sliding experience
• Helps small children develop gross motor skills

Swings

• Provide vestibular sensory movement
• Has multiple types of swings, including traditional swings, bucket swings for babies/toddlers, ADA swings, and generation swings

Ninja Warrior Course

• Promotes physical development in children and adolescents
• Comes with four main pieces:
• The Tapered Tower: Builds upper body strength through multiple climbing apparatuses
• The Breakaways: Low, angled platforms that are arranged to require children to maneuver back and forth between them. This builds coordination, agility, strength, and balance.
• The Sprawl Wall: Gives a full-body workout by having children walk from point A to point B between angled walls.
• The Chaos Climber: Has horizontal and vertical ropes and monkey bars. These allow kids and adolescents to build agility, balance, upper body strength, stamina, and coordination.

Ten Spin & Cyclo Cone Plus Climber

• Provide spinning experience
• Sturdy and durable
• Can accommodate multiple children at once to develop social skills

Accelerator Swing

• Unique swinging experience
• Children with lower core strength can lie down on the disk and be pushed by an adult
• Can accommodate multiple children at once to work on social skills

Viper Swing

• Giant, inline rope swing that provides swinging, rocking movements, and balancing
• Can be used individually or with others
• When used with others, it requires kids to work together to make it swing cooperatively

Sand Pit and Interactive Musical Instruments

• Sand Pit is ADA accessible
• Comes with one ADA-accessible X-Cavator
• Allows children of all ages to interact
• The Rainbow Trio Musical Instruments provide creative and interactive play for all ages

*All this information is based on the original plans and may have changed over time.