MARQUETTE — The Kids Cove II is now open in Mattson Lower Harbor Park in Marquette. The newly renovated park aims to be accessible for every kid, regardless of their physical abilities.

Kids Cove II replaces the popular, but outdated playground built and installed in Mattson Park in 1996. The new equipment is intended to meet current playground safety standards.

City officials noted that the previous wooden playground structure was worn and outdated. In 2003, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency banned the future use of treated lumber, which was used to build the original playground in 1996.

A rubber ground surface will lower injury risk during a fall and make the playground easily accessible to those in wheelchairs, walkers and people with unstable motor skills. The surface also makes it easier for parents, grandparents and caregivers to supervise their children.

“The heroes behind Kids Cove II were passionate about creating a space for all abilities and it is wonderful to see so many of our youth enjoying the space,” said Marquette Mayor Sally Davis. “The city received $300,000 from the (Michigan Department of Natural Resources) trust fund; however, the Marquette community provided the generosity to fund the bulk of the project. What a magnificent gift for all of us.”

Davis said that several schools recently visited the playground with special education students.

The total cost of the project was $1.8 million, with the lion’s share of the funding provided by local donors including the Marquette Playground for All Committee and the Community Foundation of Marquette County, in addition to the $300,000 DNR grant.

The dream to build a playground that would work for children of all abilities began with Joani Reynolds Miller. Joani contracted polio as a child. Joani, a retired preschool teacher, had watched children with physical, emotional, and sensory challenges be mere observers at our traditional playgrounds. Joani had a vision of making life for children with disabilities more inclusive in our community. Joani’s positive spirit and love of life were an inspiration for all who knew her.

There are eight play zones in the playground: Toddler Zone, Quiet Zone, Proprioceptive Zone, Spinning Zone, Swing Zone, Climbing Zone, Music/Free Play Zone and Hill Zone.

A Wall of Recognition lists top donors to the project.

For more information about the playground, visit www.kidscovemqt.com.

Vickie Fee can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 542. Her email address is vfee@miningjournal.net