Frequently Asked Questions

Based on the expected lifespan of this playground, it will likely need to be replaced between 2030 and 2035.  While replacement now is earlier than originally expected, it will provide opportunities for parallel play where youth, parents, grandparents, and guardians of all abilities can play together without barriers.  This opportunity is not possible with the current playground.  

Staff asked the designer of Dream Park if there was any way to modify the design to make it inclusive and accessible.  Unfortunately, there weren’t any options available.

Some of the current stand-alone elements, like the teeter totter, can be repurposed at other parks in the Village.  In addition, staff is exploring unique ways to reuse pieces of the Dream Park play structure in different ways.

All the donors for Dream Park will be recognized on panels placed throughout the playground.  In addition, the personalized brick pavers and tile wall will continue to be present at the entrance to the playground.

Given the proximity of this playground location to the Miracle League of Dane County's field, this is the ideal location for this playground.  This will allow participants in their program to come off the field and continue to play and engage with their new friends from their team.  All the players will be able to continue their connection before or after their games, which is an opportunity not available to them now with the current playground.

The playground company Miracle League of Dane County is working with has designed a playground that is for kids of all abilities, where every child can find their “just-right” fit through thrill that meets their needs, equipment that supports their unique selves, chances to collaborate and communicate, and to answer everyone’s unique needs and abilities.

The playground's design incorporates several features that ensure accessibility and promote inclusive play for all users. The ramped structure provides access from ground level to a 16-inch deck that connects to the SwayFun. The SwayFun is designed to accommodate mobility devices, allowing users with wheelchairs to engage in play alongside their peers.

The poured-in-place surfacing throughout the playground ensures smooth and easy access to all areas and ground-level components. This feature benefits users with mobility devices and those who can transfer out of their wheelchairs. While the ramps may not provide full access to the entire structure for all wheelchair users, the design allows for navigation around the partially ramped structure. This enables parallel play with peers and access to various ground-level panels on the structure.

The playground company has learned a great deal from the families, occupational therapists, and physical therapists they’ve collaborated with on inclusive playgrounds and Miracle Leagues. There is significant value in physically challenging play for children with developmental disabilities who are ambulatory.

Children with disabilities such as autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and even ADHD benefit greatly from physical play with graduated challenges. This type of play helps them practice motor coordination and build executive function skills. These children often seek sensory input through climbing and the graduated challenges offered by the equipment. The company believes it's crucial that they continue to include both wheelchair-accessible features and more intricate climbing structures in their designs.

The following components are accessible at ground level for wheelchair users:

• Sensory Tunnel
• We-Go-Round
• Sensory Play Center with ground-level activity panels
• Rhapsody Drums for the 5-12 age group
• Talk Tube by the Volo Aire
• Communication Board
• Shade Structures
• Donor Maze Structure (entirely at ground level and wide enough for mobility devices)
• Rhapsody Drums for the 2-5 age group
• Ground-level panels on the ramped structure, in addition to access to the 16-inch deck attached to the SwayFun.
• Cozy Dome (users can look through this component to see siblings or peers inside, even if they cannot enter).

The Village has received feedback from parents who have asked about including a fence around the playground.  This has been communicated to Miracle League of Dane County, and they are exploring options with the playground designer.

The Miracle League of Dane County is committed to fundraising the full amount for this project, except for $125,000 they are asking the Village to contribute as an "anchor" gift.  This donation would show other potential donors the Village is in support of the project.  The Village is evaluating using Parkland Dedication fees, which are acquired as a fee for new developments, or a donation the Village received earmarked to support education and/or youth development.  If the Village Board decides to use either of these funding sources for the $125,000 donation request, then no direct tax dollars will be used for this project.

The Village will maintain the playground after it’s complete, which is the same situation with all of the parks the Village owns, including the current Dream Park.

The initial designs of the new playground included the tree in the center. After evaluation, the tree is not structurally sound and will need to be removed. To prevent root damage to the accessible surfacing, the tree will not be replaced.  Shade structures are included in the design to provide plenty of shaded areas for everyone enjoying the playground.