Two state parks on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain are set to introduce new playgrounds designed to offer a wide range of play activities for children with disabilities. These inclusive playgrounds, located at Fontainebleau State Park near Mandeville and Bogue Chitto State Park in Washington Parish, are part of a broader effort to create accessible recreational opportunities in the region. The state is investing approximately $1.1 million in the construction of these 7,200-square-foot playgrounds, which will feature specialized equipment along with seating areas and picnic tables.

The initiative is spearheaded by Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser, whose office oversees the Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism. The idea for the playgrounds emerged from discussions with parents of children with special needs. Nungesser emphasized that the new installations would enhance park access, allowing more families to enjoy the natural beauty of Louisiana’s state parks.

Across the country, inclusive playgrounds are gaining popularity as a way to accommodate children with diverse abilities. These “outdoor classrooms” provide sensory-rich experiences and physical activity opportunities for kids with both physical and intellectual disabilities. Trevor Johnson, manager of the Miracle League Northshore, expressed strong support for the playgrounds, noting that they offer children with disabilities the chance to play alongside friends. The Miracle League, which operates in Covington, serves children from St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, and Washington parishes, fostering recreational opportunities for all kids.

The playgrounds are part of a larger mission to improve accessibility throughout Louisiana’s state parks. In recent years, specialized, all-terrain wheelchairs have been introduced at parks like Fontainebleau. These chairs, equipped with tank-like tracks, allow users to navigate rougher trails, making six miles of wooded trails at Fontainebleau accessible to a wider audience. Encouraged by the success of these initiatives, Nungesser announced plans to add 10 more all-terrain wheelchairs to the parks. The state also hopes to expand access through additional programs and infrastructure improvements, such as swimming pools with ramps, as sponsorships and grants become available.

The new playgrounds at Fontainebleau and Bogue Chitto are funded through a Land and Water Conservation Fund grant. They are expected to open in October, marking a significant step toward more inclusive recreation in the state. Mark Baham, executive director of STARC of Louisiana, emphasized that these inclusive playgrounds benefit children of all abilities, fostering a sense of community and belonging. As more people witness the success of these playgrounds, the hope is that similar facilities will spread to neighborhoods across the state, ensuring that every child has the chance to enjoy outdoor play.