Wheelchair swing being installed at Recreation Park

Recreation Park has a new feature that increases inclusivity within the Auburn Area Recreation and Parks District (ARD). The We-Go-Swing by Landscape Structures Inc. is the first no-transfer inclusive swing and has an accessible bay, a bench seat and handlebars to assist with moving the swing, keeping users in place and rotating up for easy entrance and exit, according to the Landscape Structure Inc. website. The swing is being installed at the south play structure of the park, behind James Field. The swing will accommodate multiple users, as it features the wheelchair swing and traditional swings, which will replace the old swings. According to ARD District Landscape Architect Michael Scheele, an ADA-accessible concrete walkway with a ramp and handrails is being installed to assist with accessing the swing. "The (swing) can accommodate two wheelchairs and non-wheelchair users at the same time," Scheele told the Auburn Journal in April after the ARD Board of Directors' March 31 approval of the swing and its installation. Installation began Aug. 29 and the district confirmed construction would take 7-10 days. As of Tuesday morning, the south end of the park was still closed off while the installation was being completed. According to Scheele, the structure will be accessible for play once it is complete, which is anticipated by the end of the week. Scheele said ARD is excited to have the newest addition at Recreation Park and hopes to have a ribbon cutting ceremony soon.