All-Inclusive Playground Opens at Washington Houses 

On August 11, NYCHA’s Washington Houses community unveiled a newly refurbished playground equipped with features to accommodate children with special needs.  

Residents and youth gathered with NYCHA representatives and City Council Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala for a ribbon-cutting celebration, welcoming a dedicated space for children of all abilities at the Manhattan development, which is home to more than 3,100 residents. 

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant playground near Second Avenue is complete with wheelchair-accessible ramps and a mix of unique amenities, including devices designed for sensory play, a whale-decorated water table, and a sprinkler pad. Along with new colorful play structures and safety surfacing, crews installed a new shaded picnic and seating area for residents, seniors, and NYCHA staff to enjoy outdoor gatherings. The renovation project received approximately $800,000 in funding from Deputy Speaker Ayala’s office, in addition to federal funds.  

Children of all abilities can enjoy playground features such as a whale-decorated water table, sprinkler pad, and sensory play devices.

In advocating for the playground improvements, Washington Houses Resident Association President Claudia Perez said it was a key priority for resident leaders to ensure that all children, including those with disabilities and special needs, can take advantage of the recreational benefits. Noting there are few playground park sites in close proximity that are fully accessible for those with special needs, Ms. Perez said residents are excited to provide such a space within their home development. Resident leaders were closely involved in selecting the site design, features, and color schemes.  

“We pushed for this to be an all-inclusive park so that everybody can enjoy it,” said Ms. Perez, who has lived at the development for more than 30 years. “We’re very happy that it’s open, and we’re very proud of it.” 

In addition to the sensory features, the play apparatuses include educational components such as a map of the 50 states with historical details and information on water measurements. Rounding out the area’s all-inclusive environment, the new picnic shed provides a welcoming spot for adults and seniors to mingle outdoors.  

“During the summertime, the shaded seating area provides a cool space for our seniors,” Ms. Perez highlighted.