Build a new inclusive playground in West Valley, Yakima
The Issue
In the West Valley area of Yakima, specifically west of 40th Avenue, families are encountering a significant hurdle when it comes to providing their children with accessible play opportunities in a safe environment. Hundreds of families, including those with young children and children with disabilities, find themselves cut off from local play areas due to outdated and inaccessible parks in the neighborhood.
Currently, parents who have children with mobility needs or younger ones eager to explore and develop physically must drive to cities like Selah just to find a playground that accommodates their children's needs. Families shouldn't have to spend their money driving as far as Selah.
Research shows that play is essential for a child’s physical, emotional, and social development. For children with disabilities, access to adaptive play equipment is not just about fun, it's about integrating social experiences and strengthening their capabilities and independence. However, many of the parks in the West Valley area lack adaptive swings, smooth surfaces, and toddler-friendly environments.
Investing in a new, accessible playground will provide an enhanced quality of life for our community, improve the mental and physical health of our children, and also align with the values of equality and inclusivity. We propose the integration of universally accessible design features such as ramps, barrier-free equipment, and sensory-friendly play structures as well as a splash pad for warmer months so children of all background and ages can have fun.
We urge the Yakima City Council and the Yakima Parks and Recreation Commission to prioritize equity in our city's parks system by:
Allocating dedicated city funds and capital improvement resources toward designing and building an all-abilities playground in West Valley.
Incorporating universal design features, including poured-in-place rubber surfacing, wheelchair-accessible play structures, adaptive swings, and sensory-friendly zones.
Involving local parents, caregivers, and accessibility advocates in the planning process to ensure the park meets the real needs of our community's children.
Help us turn this vision into reality and make a positive impact on the lives of our children and community. Sign the petition to support the construction of an inclusive playground for West Valley's children today!
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The Issue
In the West Valley area of Yakima, specifically west of 40th Avenue, families are encountering a significant hurdle when it comes to providing their children with accessible play opportunities in a safe environment. Hundreds of families, including those with young children and children with disabilities, find themselves cut off from local play areas due to outdated and inaccessible parks in the neighborhood.
Currently, parents who have children with mobility needs or younger ones eager to explore and develop physically must drive to cities like Selah just to find a playground that accommodates their children's needs. Families shouldn't have to spend their money driving as far as Selah.
Research shows that play is essential for a child’s physical, emotional, and social development. For children with disabilities, access to adaptive play equipment is not just about fun, it's about integrating social experiences and strengthening their capabilities and independence. However, many of the parks in the West Valley area lack adaptive swings, smooth surfaces, and toddler-friendly environments.
Investing in a new, accessible playground will provide an enhanced quality of life for our community, improve the mental and physical health of our children, and also align with the values of equality and inclusivity. We propose the integration of universally accessible design features such as ramps, barrier-free equipment, and sensory-friendly play structures as well as a splash pad for warmer months so children of all background and ages can have fun.
We urge the Yakima City Council and the Yakima Parks and Recreation Commission to prioritize equity in our city's parks system by:
Allocating dedicated city funds and capital improvement resources toward designing and building an all-abilities playground in West Valley.
Incorporating universal design features, including poured-in-place rubber surfacing, wheelchair-accessible play structures, adaptive swings, and sensory-friendly zones.
Involving local parents, caregivers, and accessibility advocates in the planning process to ensure the park meets the real needs of our community's children.
Help us turn this vision into reality and make a positive impact on the lives of our children and community. Sign the petition to support the construction of an inclusive playground for West Valley's children today!
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Petition created on September 17, 2026