Grand Reopening of Crawford Park in Mishawaka: A Community Celebration
On Thursday, May 23rd, at 11am, the grand reopening and ribbon cutting of the newly remodeled Crawford Park commenced at 445 N Niles Ave, Mishawaka, IN 46544. Mishawaka Mayor Dave Wood and Superintendent of Parks Phil Blasko celebrated the new and improved Crawford Park, along with the sixth graders of Beiger Elementary who assisted in cutting the ribbon.
The newly remodeled Crawford Park will serve as a significant addition to Mishawaka’s parks and recreation system. The improvements go beyond aesthetic enhancements, aiming to elevate the quality of life for Mishawaka’s community by providing a safe and inclusive environment for citizens of all ages.
Each element of Crawford Park was thoughtfully redesigned with the community in mind, particularly the brand-new playground, which stands out from any other in the city. “We have unique pieces for any child with any ability to be able to come and enjoy our park,” Phil Blasko explains. “This park here, we have wheelchair accessibility, we have a braille wall, we have sign language, we have sensory features with musical instruments.”
The playground was designed for children of all abilities to engage and play together, fostering an inclusive environment. Features include wooden climbers arranged in various directions to inspire creativity, music pieces designed for sensory experiences, and accommodations for children with visual impairments. The entire playground is recessed to the ground to ensure children in wheelchairs can play alongside their peers.
The Mishawaka Parks Department has been dedicated to creating an inclusive park for every child. The renovation of Crawford Park has been in progress for about eight years and is currently in phase one. This phase includes a brand-new playground, splash pad, restroom building, pavilion, and an upgraded parking lot with handicap accessibility. The new parking lot is designed to better meet the needs of the proposed activities and ensure easy access for all visitors.
Crawford Park is set to develop a unique identity as a “Nature Park,” with future plans to include man-made constructed wetlands to enhance the natural beauty of the park. This new image will make Crawford Park a standout feature in Mishawaka, adding substantial value to the community.
“We know that parks like this enhance our neighborhoods, and we know that they make them safe,” says Mayor Dave Wood. “This is Mishawaka, this is what it should be. It is families out here enjoying their natural play spaces, this is why we do park projects.”
Crawford Park is a staple piece for Mishawaka, reflecting the city’s commitment to providing inclusive, safe, and enjoyable spaces for all its residents
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