One of the City of Lathrop’s largest parks was dedicated at River Islands this week.

Called Champions Park, the 15- acre facility has as its centerpiece one of the best-designed and amenities inclusive playgrounds in the entire Central Valley from Sacramento to Fresno.

“Inclusive playgrounds are designed for children of any level of physical or developmental ability to feel safe and have fun,” said River Islands President Susan Dell’Osso. 

“In this case, the implementation includes equipment, ramps and railings, and even the surfacing  that allows access from the parking lot to every aspect of play. At Champions Park, we asked our designers to take the idea to the next level, and create destination that would provide positive recreational and social experiences for our kids.”

Manteca is planning a similar playground at Northgate Park that is being funded using the city’s federal COVID relief funds.

Chad Kennedy, a principal of Odell Engineering, which served a key role in designing the playground, said, “Inclusivity means all children, with a variety of needs and interests, can have fun.”

He added, Even the parents and grandparents are going to enjoy the experience because they, too, can all fully participate in the fun with their kids and not just watch from the sidelines.”

Champions Park also includes baseball and softball fields, picnic areas, barbeques, restrooms and a parking lot.

City of Lathrop Parks and Recreation Department worked in partnership with River Islands on all aspects of the park’s planning and development.