Originally by Maggie Fusek, Patch Staff
Patch.com
Emily Peterson, a former teacher and mom to a disabled daughter, wants to see a Magical Bridge Playground in her town of Healdsburg, CA, specifically at Laura Fish Somersal Park, known informally as Saggio Hills Park or Montage Park.
Peterson’s daughter, Aisley, was born with the genetic condition Cornelia de Lange syndrome —CdLS—which delays the physical development of a child. Aisley is 5 years old but is smaller than her peers. She is also nonverbal but has ways other than speaking to let people know when she is happy, sad, or in pain.
One thing her mother knows for sure is Aisley loves riding in the adaptive swings installed at three other city of Healdsburg parks. The swings are made by Miracle Recreation, based in Monett, Missouri. Peterson wants to see the same swing at Laura Fish Somersal Park.
“We know Healdsburg needs a park for people of ALL ages and abilities to enjoy, which is why our hope is to bring a Magical Bridge Playground to our town,” Peterson said.
Peterson launched a petition to “show the city of Healdsburg that our community can benefit from an inclusive & accessible place to gather and play.”
The Healdsburg Magical Playground petition on change.org had over 312 backers Thursday morning.
“As a former teacher and parent to a child born with intellectual and physical disabilities, I recognize our current playground’s failings firsthand,” Peterson wrote on change.org.
“Currently our neighborhood park has a ramp with a treacherous drop-off, leading to an area carpeted with bark. This terrain is not only tough to navigate for many individuals but also poses significant safety concerns. It’s crucial to note that the inclusivity and accessibility provided by bringing a Magical Bridge Playground to Healdsburg will not merely meet the ADA requirements but will go beyond them.”
City’s Current Plans For The Park
The Saggio Hills Development Agreement required that the developer provide land for a new public park. The city of Healdsburg received approximately 38 acres of land as part of the Montage Resort project for the new public park, and the developable area is about 12 acres. The site has rolling oak grasslands with scattered oak trees, seasonal wetlands, a flood detention basin for Foss Creek and a storm water basin for a nearby future housing site.
The final master plan was approved by Healdsburg City Council in August 2023. In December 2024, Healdsburg City Council approved a contract with Fletcher Studio to complete the final design for Phase 1. Construction is anticipated to begin in late 2025 or 2026.
The approved plan includes the restoration of the Foss Creek riparian habitat, sports fields and courts, play areas, a large picnic pavilion, open lawn areas, a dog play area, a community garden, a pump track, a picnic grove and special-use gardens (e.g. native plantings, pollinator gardens, and habitat for insects and reptiles). There will also be an extension of the paved Foss Creek Pathway through the park and an improved soft-surface trail network.
A Playground ‘For All Abilities’
Peterson describes Magical Bridge Playgrounds as places where everyone can experience the health benefits of outdoor play and improve the physical, social, emotional, and mental health of everyone in the community, including young people, the aging, the most vulnerable and the disabled.
“Creating environments that extend access, kindness, and compassion to EVERYONE creates a ripple effect on the health and well-being of a community,” Peterson wrote. “Healdsburg needs a playground that promotes inclusivity and accessibility where people of all abilities can play and be included. The time is now—not just for my daughter, but for all others who struggle in a world not designed for them. It’s unfair to deprive a family of the joy of participating due to lack of accessibility.”
Recent Comments