Correspondent photo / Amanda Smith Lucas Coppock, 4, left, and his older brother, Elijah Coppock, 6, both of Volant, Pa., check out the new Imagination Station playground at Bazetta Township Park despite Saturday’s snow and cold.

BAZETTA — It was snowing on Saturday.

But that was also the day the ribbon was cut on the new Imagination Station playground, and nothing was going to stop a handful of kids — dressed in boots and snow jackets — from trying it out.

“He’s waiting for you at the bottom!” Amie Matlock, of Gates Mills, shouted up to her son Caden Matlock. The 6-year-old was perched at the top of the new twisty tube slide and looking around for his playmate. Within seconds, he was at the bottom of the slide — boots and all — and was off like a rocket toward the swings.

His mother, Amie Matlock, is a volunteer with the Logan’s Landing Project. The Ohio nonprofit works to make public spaces, travel and play more inclusive and accessible for children with autism and sensory needs. She pointed out the features designed to make the playground more accessible.

“It’s sensory friendly,” Matlock said. “You’ve got the communication board, you’ve got all these slides. Everything is more accessible for children who may have special needs.”

The communication board at the park helps children communicate with their caregivers and playmates, she said. The design of the park helps children with elopement concerns safely enjoy the space safely, she said.

The new playground replaces a roughly 30-year-old structure at the same location in Bazetta Township Park, keeping the Imagination Station name while introducing updated equipment.

“This is phase one and we’re in the process of working on phase two,” said Mary Gearhart of the township park board.

Plans include additional park upgrades such as walking paths and renovations to the gazebo, and possibly more playground equipment.

The first phase of the project was funded through a $300,000 grant from the state capital budget, she said.

Administrative Secretary Deanna Longo said securing the funding required presenting the township’s plans to state representatives and advocating for the project through the legislative process.

“It’s a huge win for our township,” Longo said.

Early feedback from residents has been positive, Gearhart said, with many already asking when the next phase will begin.

Saturday’s opening also included a craft show with vendors, activities and food trucks.

The township plans to auction off the old playground equipment from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at the park. Some of the old wooden features are available, along with slides and a spring ride. Proceeds will go back into the park to help pay for future projects, Gearhart said.