Mission OKs inclusive play equipment purchase for Water Works Park

Water Works Park in Mission is getting new play equipment.

The Mission City Council on Wednesday unanimously approved a nearly $350,000 purchase of inclusive play equipment for Water Works Park.

Water Works Park is located off of 53rd Street and Woodson Drive, directly south of Rushton Elementary.

The green and blue play equipment includes swing sets, slides and mounds.
Penn Almoney, the parks and recreation director, told the city council on Dec. 20 that the new playground allows access from any angle.
It also provides ways for children who are unable to communicate to tap a picture and communicate with other children or adults, Almoney said.
This is going to be the second inclusive playground equipment set in Mission, with the first set headed to Mohawk Park.
“We’re pretty excited that we are raising the bar here in Mission,” Almoney said.
Councilmember Debbie Kring noted that she sat on a committee years ago dedicated to finding a way to bring inclusive play to Mission, and even though it took a while, “it worked out.”

Earlier this year, the city approved a number of upgrades to the park.
The list of improvements includes a trail expansion, restrooms, a shelter and lighting.
Mission plans to install the new playground equipment in summer 2024, according to city documents.

Councilmember Hillary Thomas said the Water Works playground equipment is “one piece of a multi-year, multi-million dollar investment” in Mission parks.
Mission is working to upgrade several of its city parks following the special sales tax renewal in September.
Broadmoor Park, 5701 Broadmoor St., recently received an upgraded walking trail.
Mohawk Park, 6649 Lamar Ave., got the green light for phase two of improvements to kick off, including new inclusive playground equipment and a new 10-foot walking trail.

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