The project at Keeley Park in northeast Greensboro means $2.2 million of improvements such as additional picnic shelters, an outdoor fitness space, and a teaching area for the community garden.
It also includes a new playground called Up in the AIR. AIR stands for adaptive and inclusive recreation.
Park Planner for the City of Greensboro, Vonda Martin, says the need for this kind of space was clear after community conversations and a public survey. The goal is to encourage physical and social activity for those of all abilities.
“The Up in the AIR playground features a 50-foot long zip line that has inclusive seating," she says. "It also has an inclusive whirl, which resembles the old merry-go-round, that is at ground level. It's just going to be a wonderful play destination for everybody.”
Martin says the hope is for all new amenities to be completed by Memorial Day weekend of 2020. Keeley Park opened in April of 2012 and sees over 150,000 visitors annually. Martin says there will still be opportunities to visit the park's disc-golf course and beginner mountain biking trail while the renovations are occurring.