Mandan Universal Playground to Break Ground on May 4

After nearly a year of fundraising, the proposed universal playground in Mandan has acquired over 50 sponsors and will break ground on May 4.

An official groundbreaking ceremony will be held at Eagles Park (100 14th Street NE) at 11:30 am by Mandan Parks & Rec and the Universal Playground Committee.

The playground will be a haven for adults and children of all ages, interests, and abilities. According to an official news release by Mandan P&R, the playground will feature:

·         Zip line with disc seats and molded bucket seats

·         Unique seesaw with four high-backed seats with a platform and a handle in the middle to allow a large number of kids to experience the motion together.

·         Quiet, cozy dome for kids who need a break from the action.

·         Roller table that encourages kids to engage their arm muscles.

·         Sensory wall that provides a multi-sensory experience.

·         Electronic pulse game that motivates kids to beat a moving light

·         Several fitness components for people of all ages.

·         Sling swings, full bucket swings and molded support swings with pull-over harnesses.

·         Updated version of a traditional merry-go-round that allows easy transfer from a wheelchair.

To top it all off -- or, rather... underscore it? -- the playground will feature a special poured-in-place surface with different-colored surroundings around freestanding equipment, to help out those with visual impairments.

The playground is slated to open in the fall of this year.