$1.3M playground opens in Lafreniere Park
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A $1.3 million playground built for kids of all abilities is now open in Lafreniere Park in Jefferson Parish.
Why it matters: Tripp's Treehouse is the largest inclusive playground in Louisiana, leaders say.
The big picture: Officials cut the ribbon on the new playground Tuesday across from the "Bob" Deviney Foundation Center. It replaced an older one at the same spot.
- Tripp's Treehouse provides a safe place where all children can play, whether they have "special abilities or not," says Councilwoman Arita Bohannan.
- It's named in honor of Tripp Rabalais, who is the park's director.
Zoom in: The playground has wheelchair-accessible ramps and play equipment.
- It also has a quiet cove for people who are on the autism spectrum or have social/anxiety disorders, she says.
- Plus, it has special slides that won't interfere with cochlear implants.
- There's a parking lot across the street for visitors.
By the numbers: The playground was mostly funded by the parish, with some donations, she says.
Zoom out: Jefferson Parish's first inclusive playground opened in Kenner at Miguez Park.
- Bohannan spearheaded that effort, too, which is named for her nephew with autism: Anthony's Missing Pieces Playground.
- The Stanley Ray playground in City Park, Pontiff playground in Old Metairie, Walnut Street playground in Audubon Park, Jefferson Park playground in Jefferson Parish, Desmare playground in Mid-City and Kids Konnection Playground in Mandeville also have inclusive features.
What's next: Bohannan says she's working on an inclusive playground along Kenner's lakefront.
Go deeper: Full playground guide from New Orleans Mom