Sartell Lions Park Inclusive Equipment to be Dedicated This Weekend

(KNSI) – The new inclusive playground at Sartell Lions Park will be officially dedicated this Sunday.

Three chapters came together to raise the funds for what should become a regional attraction. Sartell Lions President Stu Giffin says the renovations cost over $400,000. He talks about how the park was reimagined going back to late 2021.

“We had two moms, who are parents of children with mobility issues, as well as a physical therapist from the Sartell-St Stephen School District, and the equipment vendor working together as a team to establish the type of play equipment that their kids like.”

It’s already bustling with children, with the official dedication ceremony less than a week away. Giffin says the space has a rubberized mat and equipment designed to allow children of all ability levels to play side-by-side. He says the zip line is an early favorite to be a hit with visitors.

“There’s two of them. One of those for kids who have no mobility issues, and the other…it does require a transfer from a wheelchair into this pod or a very nice swing, kind of molded, but then they can go right next to each other. It’s the exact same zip line, just 10 feet apart.”

The wheelchair-accessible carousel is another feature that has parents excited.

The ceremony is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. at the park. It should last about 20 minutes. Mayor Ryan Fitzthum and other city officials are expected to attend. The presidents of the LeSauk, St. Stephen, and Sartell Lions clubs will all speak. The groups organized the campaign together.

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