CREATIVE PLAY FOR ALL
NEW INCLUSIVE PLAYGROUND PROVES ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE
WHEN A COMMUNITY COMES TOGETHER By KerriAnne Mukhopadhyay, Communication Specialist, Town of Castle Rock Parks and Recreation and Lisa Sorbo, Communication Specialist, Town of Castle Rock Parks and Recreation
With tear-filled eyes, Kris Frey watched her son smile with glee as he ran around the playground. Diagnosed with Down syndrome, 5-year old Ben and his family didn’t have a suitable place in their neighborhood to play together. After the opening of the Possibilities Playground at Butterfield Crossing Park, that all changed. Ben’s mother stood filled with emotion and gratitude as her son played near their home for the first time in a playground designed for children of all abilities.
“This is magical,” said Frey. “To see all these spaces where everyone can play together is amazing. It’s more than I expected.” For more than 30 years, Butterfield Crossing Park has been one of the most beloved parks in Castle Rock, CO. Nestled in the heart of The Meadows, the park has been home to countless community events, sport practices and swim lessons. But, after so much love, the park was in need of an upgrade.
As the Town of Castle Rock’s Parks and Recreation Department started planning for the improvements, the team quickly realized there was a gap in service for some residents. The community had a strong desire to create a playground and shared community space to serve users of all ages and ability levels. “It was the community’s vision to make this happen and have a fully inclusive park,” said Castle Rock Park Planning and Construction Manager Brian Peterson. “We knew Butterfield Crossing Park could
Courtesy of Design Concepts
28 • Colorado Byline | Summer 2023
