WARREN - Two area nonprofit groups are teaming to provide a playground for handicapped and able-bodied children in Warren.
The Valley's Inclusive Playground (VIP) will provide disabled children accessible learning and skill panels, music panels and other activities.
''This will actually, essentially be a destination for parents that have children who are handicapped,'' said Warren Mayor Michael J. O'Brien. ''The playground will be all inclusive, it will have activities for able-bodied children also.
''Children with disabilities should have the same places to enjoy the outdoors as an able-bodied child,'' the mayor said.
The site is planned to have specially designed ramps and cushioned flooring for easy wheelchair maneuverability, a swing designed to allow a child to stay in his/her wheelchair while swinging and other swings to hold kids in place while on the equipment.
It's expected to cost about $200,000 and will be located in Perkins Park by the River Walk and Warren Community Amphitheatre.
The effort behind the idea is being done by Main Street Warren and Putting Downs First, both of which were working toward a handicapped accessible playground until they joined forces.
The goal is to create a playground for everyone.
''We were thinking of putting the site in Leavittsburg, but there was also one going on in Warren,'' said Cara Meadows, executive director of Putting Downs First. ''We said, 'What about teaming up?'''
In addition to providing space for handicapped children to excel, Chuck Joseph, of Main Street Warren, said the playground would improve the downtown, making it a destination point for residents of Trumbull and Mahoning counties.
''We felt this is something we should be involved in,'' Joseph said.
To build support for the idea, there will be a rally from 5 to 8 p.m. May 29 at the amphitheater with games and refreshments. The rally, Joseph said, will give residents a chance to learn more about the proposal.
''The whole idea is to celebrate that we are trying to make this happen for the community,'' he said.
