Riverview Park Playground Unveils Inclusive Space for All Abilities on September 12th

 A special celebration is set for Thursday, September 12th, as Riverview Park Playground officially opens its doors to the community. The playground has been revamped into an inclusive space intended to welcome children of all abilities, ages, and backgrounds. 

The transformation of this playground is deeply personal for Nicolle McCoy, who founded the local nonprofit Hope Included following the heartbreaking loss of her daughter, Hope, in 2019. Hope suffered from a rare condition called Xia-Gibbs Syndrome.

“I just started with an idea, and after speaking with a friend about how we can remember it Hope, we wanted to make the playground more inclusive and accessible for children like Hope” said Founder Nicolle McCoy.

McCoy recognized a significant lack of inclusive playgrounds and saw the need for a space that better serves children with disabilities. 

 Motivated by her own experiences, McCoy saw the urgent need for inclusive play spaces where all children could enjoy the benefits of outdoor activities.

“Kids of different abilities should be able to play together. So, I think that when we all realized this after she passed away, we knew we couldn’t let it go. We need to continue what she taught us and everyone else, and we’ll start by making a playground where they can all play together,” said McCoy.