Hampstead Kiwanis Park opens truly inclusive playground

HAMPSTEAD, NC (WWAY) — There’s nothing quite like going down a slide or playing on the monkey bars.

Pender county and Trillium health resources hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening of the truly inclusive playground at Hampstead Kiwanis Park. The event coincided with the Kiwanis club of Hampstead’s 20th anniversary celebration.

The new playground was created with the idea of safety and fun in mind for all kids. A Liberty swing was included to allow children in wheelchairs to enjoy the park just as much as everyone else.

Many kids, like Zachary Noe, are really enjoying the new additions to the park.

“I had a soccer game here and now I’m playing here…The park is fun,” Noe said.

Gayle Detwiler, Hampstead Kiwanis Club Fundraising chair, says the new additions are meant to welcome more kids to this park.

“The idea when we started was that it would be a park for the kids of the community and that could be any kid in the community, so if they have a physical impairment or just want to come out here and have a good time,” Detwiler said.

Detwiler says there are plans to expand out and extend the nature trail and add a gaga pit.