Riverview Park receives grant to upgrade, benefit people with disabilities

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — Chattanooga will be upgrading an existing park after receiving a $500,000 grant from the Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD). The park upgrades will benefit children with disabilities.

The Riverview Park, located on Riverview Road and Barton Avenue, will transform into an “inclusive hub for the community,” according to Tennessee officials.

Chattanooga plans to make the space open and safe for children of different abilities, ages and communities.

“This will provide opportunities for children and adults with intellectual, developmental or physical disabilities to experience the physical, social and emotional benefits of play alongside their peers without disabilities,” the press release stated.

DIDD is awarding a total of $2.5 million in inclusive playground and facility grant funding across the state of Tennessee.

“Inclusive playgrounds not only provide access to children who often can’t enjoy traditional play spaces because of design barriers, but they can also help foster friendships among children with and without disabilities,” said DIDD Commissioner Brad Turner. “This is a win-win for our communities and all of our children, and I’m excited to see the impact these new spaces will have in both rural and urban areas of Tennessee.”