San Luis debuts first inclusive playground at Joe Orduño Park
Adrik Vargas
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – San Luis is taking a big step toward inclusion with new playground equipment at Joe Orduño Park.
The playground features a special swing, a carousel, and a bilingual communication board, all aimed at making playtime fun and accessible for every child.
The project was funded through a partnership with the Cocopah Tribe and Campesinos Sin Fronteras. City leaders say it’s part of a larger goal to create more inclusive spaces across San Luis.
“This board lets kids point to whatever they need and show what they want…one side is in English and the other in Spanish,” said Park Supervisor Alvaro Escalante while demonstrating the new feature.
Parks and Recreation Director Angélica Roldán says this project is only the beginning. The city is already planning a sensory play area designed to stimulate and engage children with special needs.
Local teacher Marie Betancourt says families are already feeling the impact.
“It’s actually helping other families feel more a part of the community, in bringing their kids to an environment where they feel safe, accepted, and be able to explore,” she said.
Roldán added that the goal behind these projects is to make sure every child feels welcome.
“We’re just very excited to have this for the kids and just to remember our parks are for everyone,” she said.
With this new playground, San Luis is showing that inclusion starts with a place where every child can play together.