EVERETT — Phil Johnson Ballfields in south Everett got an upgrade this summer, as new accessible playground equipment arrived at the park.
The 3,176-square-foot playground was originally installed in 2001 and the city replaced it after recognizing “the age of the playground equipment at the Phil Johnson Ballfields had exceeded the City’s life-cycle standard,” Cory Rettenmier, a manager with the Everett Parks and Facilities department, said in an email.
The timing had other benefits, too. The park at 400 Sievers Duecy Blvd. received nearly $5 million in upgrades in 2020, including changes to make it one of Snohomish County’s few fields with adaptive markings for physically and developmentally disabled children. That allows the ballpark to host Miracle League games and tournaments. The new playground equipment was installed for just under $360,000.
“Inclusive elements (including) transfer platforms are integrated within the design to allow for handicap individuals to be transferred on and off of the equipment, musical elements, activity panels, and a roller slide,” Rettenmier wrote. “The goal of incorporating inclusive play is to provide every child, regardless of ability, a place to enjoy the benefits of physical, social, and sensory enrichment.”
The upgrades also included adding artificial turf to the play area and making it easier for those in wheelchairs to roll onto the playground.
The parks department did the work itself, Rettenmier added.
Phil Johnson is packed throughout the summer. Parks staff estimate between 15,000 to 20,000 spectators and fans visit the park each year. The facility hosts Little League All-Star tournaments, Special Olympics events and postseason high school softball games, among others.
For parents looking to entertain young ones while their older siblings are playing a game, a safe, new playground is a big win.
“The playground adds a lot of value to the complex not to mention a relief for families with smaller children that find the playground a great place for their children to work off some of the energy while still being close to the action,” Rettenmier wrote. “This is a home run for the park and neighborhood.”
Nearby, a nonprofit called Friends of Phil Johnson Ballpark Phase II is suing to stop a pallet shelter project. An initial court hearing is scheduled for Sept. 24.
Jordan Hansen: 425-339-3046; jordan.hansen@heraldnet.com; X: @jordyhansen.
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