Published July 13 2018
If you see people in green T-shirts mingling with park visitors at Downtown Park’s Inspiration Playground on Saturdays this summer, chances are you’re looking at “playground ambassadors” in action.
The volunteers will connect with the community on Saturdays, July through September, to help break down barriers for people of all abilities. With over a dozen ambassadors enlisted, several will staff the playground at a time — welcoming people of all abilities to play side-by-side.
“The Ambassador program at Inspiration Playground takes the city’s commitment to inclusion and access to the next level,” Mayor John Chelminiak said. “Bellevue is what inclusivity looks like.”
“I was thrilled to work with the City of Bellevue to support the Inspiration Playground Ambassador program,” said King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci, who lives in Bellevue. “All children deserve a place to play, explore and learn in a fun and supportive environment. Ambassador volunteers will help create these experiences for children of all abilities.”
The playground, a partnership between the City of Bellevue and Bellevue Rotary Club, was specifically designed to provide fun play for all, including for youth and adults living with disabilities.
The new space, which opened with the improved park in June 2017, includes swings, slides, spinners, bouncers, water play and tactile sculptures that encourage touching and play that develops cognitive skills, physical abilities and sensory and social skills.
The county and city together are funding the Ambassador program, which requires staff to recruit and train the volunteers.
Playground ambassadors will be at Inspiration Playground, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., on July 14 and 28, Aug. 11 and 25, and Sept. 15 and 29.
For more information, call community engagement coordinator Molly Fay at 425-452-4620.