Realizing the need for a barrier-free park in Palm Beach County where over 187,000 disabled residents reside, in 2005 representatives of agencies that offer services for special needs individuals, including the United Way, United Cerebral Palsy, Lions Club, American Red Cross, The ARC and Deaf Service Center were invited to participate in a design charette to determine the elements needed in a “barrier-free” park. The design charette helped to create the master plan for this very unique and special park. Construction of the first phase of the 13.5 acre Congress Avenue Barrier Free Park began in 2010. The park is designed to accommodate people of all ages and abilities on an equal level.
The park is themed around a Florida Swamp. The central public space was designed to allow access to three play areas, two of which have been constructed, and the third will be constructed during a future phase of development. One is a free formed play structure that resembles a spider. It emulates the insect critters of the swamp. The other is a fish camp theme. The two ponds on the park are connected through a metaphorical “stream bed” that allows children and adults to climb through and experience rocks, spray misters, water and nature. Trails meander through the park leading to the different play and sensory experiences.
