Inclusive upgrades complete for Huguenot Park’s ‘A Playground for Katie and Friends’

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) - The highly anticipated upgrades to the inclusive "A Playground for Katie and Friends" in Chesterfield County's Huguenot Park are officially finished, bringing exciting new features for children of all abilities.

The project, which broke ground last August, came to fruition after Chesterfield County actively sought input through a community survey on how to make the playground more accessible.

Jane Warrick and Stuart Connock talking about the rebuild

Jane Warrick and her daughter Katie enjoying the playground

Stuart Connock, assistant director of planning and construction services with Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation, noted that one significant request from the community was for more shade. The new design cleverly incorporates the existing trees within the fenced area, providing natural shade for a larger play space – which is now almost 70% bigger.

Other playground upgrades include:

• Accessible wheelchair pathways: Ensuring everyone can navigate the playground with ease.
• 15 new benches: Offering more seating for caregivers and visitors.
• A variety of swings: Catering to different needs and preferences.
• Sensory friendly activity areas: Providing quieter play experiences for younger children or those who prefer a less stimulating environment.

For Jane Warrick, Katie's mother, the completion of the renovations marks the beautiful realization of a long-held dream. This inclusive playground owes its existence to Warrick -- the playground was inspired by her daughter Katie, who was born with the left side of her brain underdeveloped.

Jane embarked on a mission -- to create a space where Katie and children of all abilities could play freely and without limitations.

"This park is for everybody," Jane emphasized. "No matter what age, no matter what ability, no matter what disability."

Katie herself was thrilled with the changes, especially the swings, which have always been a favorite.

"Katie's loving it," Jane shared. "This is her first time in her new wheelchair, so we're going to be over here a lot."

Other upgrades include added handicapped spaces, crosswalks, and a wheelchair accessible pathway to the restroom in the rear.

While many exciting changes have been made, the original bricks and entrance columns remain, a nod to the playground's legacy and in honor of Katie.

Warrick said she is particularly excited about the opportunities for inclusive play.

"I'm excited about people understanding how children with disabilities can interact with children without disabilities, no matter where they're at," she said. "This playground allows everybody to enjoy a piece of everything."

The Playground for Katie and Friends at Huguenot Park will officially reopen with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, April 21 at 6 p.m.