New, Accessibility-Focused Park Opens in Lincoln City, Inspired by Oregon Coast Landmarks

Published 12/12/24 at 6:15 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Lincoln City, Oregon) – A new kind of park and playground for the Oregon coast gets its opening fanfare soon, with the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Lincoln City's Schooner Creek Discovery Park at 10 a.m. on December 14. Explore Lincoln City says it encourages the public to show up at 4815 SE 51st in Lincoln City, celebrating this new inclusive and accessible playground.

Its features are designed to make the playground enjoyable and safe for everyone of all ages – and all kinds of abilities.

“The City of Lincoln City furthers its commitment to inclusion with this opening of its first inclusive and accessible playground,” said Explore Lincoln City. “Having wheelchair accessibility with multigenerational play components supports usage by those with disabilities, and represents the inclusive playground theme - 'Where Everybody Finds Their Favorite Spot.' “

The opening event is hosted by Lincoln City Parks & Recreation Department as well as Lincoln City City Council, featuring Oregon officials such as the Lincoln City mayor, OR State Senator Dick Anderson, State Rep. David Gomberg, local city councilors and other leaders. It will be rain or shine – and those who attend the central Oregon coast happening will enjoy free treats and prizes, and try out all the new playground equipment.

“The first 100 youth to attend the ribbon cutting will receive two free passes to the Lincoln City Community Center,” the agency said.

LCP&R undertook extensive public outreach to inform the design of the playground and the broader park. It incorporates some of the Oregon coast most beloved landmarks into its design. Drawing inspiration from Siletz Bay, the playground features four climbing structures modeled after the Four Brothers rock formations and a play hill reminiscent of the sand spit along the bay.

Inclusive equipment at the playground includes non-verbal communication boards and accessible surfacing throughout with contrasting surface colors for those with low vision. Plantings create enclosed areas at the playground's edges, while benches are designed with companion seats for wheelchair users. The play hill has an accessible path to the top and an accessible slide with a dignity landing. The climber includes a transfer station at the base with accessible belt climbers to reach higher levels. Swing options include a rope nest and other inclusive swings with varying challenges. Cozy spots, logs, and wood domes provide quiet spaces to rest. There are also musical instruments that are accessible and engaging to the senses, among other features.

Schooner Creek Discovery Park spans 6.71 acres and is the top priority of the 2016 Lincoln City Parks System Plan. The park will feature several firsts for Lincoln City and the Coast, including the first inclusive and accessible playground, the first permanent outdoor pickleball courts, the first covered multi-sports court, and the first public turfed multi-sport field. Additionally, the park will have a special event stage and lawn, picnic shelters, an open space trail, and more. The playground opening marks the completion of Phase 1 of the project, with Phase 2 (stage, promenade, and lawn) expected to be finished in 2025, and Phase 3 (multi-sport courts and fields) slated for completion in 2026.

The park's development and construction involve a partnership between Lincoln City City Council, Lincoln City Parks & Recreation Board, Friends of Lincoln City Parks and Recreation 501c3, and the Design/Build team led by LC Parks & Recreation, LC Public Works, K&E Excavating, DOWL, and Understory Landscape Architecture.

Phase 1 playground construction is partially funded by various donors and grants, including Travel Oregon, Rep. Gomberg and Senator Anderson with advocacy for State Bill 5202, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, Christmas Cottage in Lincoln City, Ford Family Foundation, Friends of LCP&R, Lincoln County Community & Economic Development, Marie Lamfrom Charitable Foundation, Oregon Community Foundation, Oregon Parks Foundation, Pacific Power Foundation, Reser Family Foundation, Roundhouse Foundation, Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund, and many other individual community donors.

“This inclusive and accessible playground embodies Lincoln City’s vision of welcoming all, making certain that everyone has access to outdoor recreational opportunities,” Lincoln City Mayor Susan Wahlke said. “I am very excited about the completion of this first phase of development at our new Schooner Creek Discovery Park. Since this new playground incorporates multigenerational play amenities to support use by those with disabilities and mobility needs, I look forward to many hours of fun here with my grandson.”

The Schooner Creek Discovery Park playground will open on Dec 14 to welcome all visitors, who are encouraged to visit and explore the new features.

For more info on Schooner Creek Discovery Park development, see https://www.lincolncity.org/departments/ parks-recreation/schooner-creek-discovery-park-development.

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Andre' GW Hagestedt is editor, owner and primary photographer / videographer of Oregon Coast Beach Connection, an online publication that sees over 1 million pageviews per month. He is also author of several books about the coast.

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