Rocklin's Willard Park is all about 'inclusive' play

While it might not seem like much, the presence of sand or uneven surfaces in a playground could become a barrier to individuals with unique accommodation needs. In an effort to be more inclusive to all its residents, the city of Rocklin on Saturday officially unveiled Willard Park in the Whitney Ranch community. With a rubberized playing surface flush with the sidewalk, ramped entry to a jungle gym and musical elements, Rocklin's 37th Park was met with extra enthusiasm. For Parks, Recreation and Arts Commission chair Twiana Armstrong-Bryant, the significance of Willard Park's inclusive amenities was reinforced by an encounter with a teacher who specializes in special needs. At Saturday's grand opening, Armstrong-Bryant said the Antelope-based educator shared how important such equipment are to all children and how Willard Park will allow her students to partake in the simple act of playing. For the city as a whole, Armstrong-Bryant commented on how Willard Park only adds to the shared experience of community residents seek out. "It allows our residents to continue to share their stories about how the parks and the recreational areas are a big part of what makes Rocklin a great place to live," Armstrong-Bryant said. "We continue to focus on finding ways, opportunities and equipment to be more inclusive. This lets our residents know that we are focusing our resources on amenities that help them tell that story." For Rocklin City Councilwoman Jill Gayaldo, the opening of Willard Park is significant for two reasons. From a historical perspective, the park being named in honor of the Willard family ties a sense of Rocklin's history into one of the city's newest developments. This sense of preserving history and unifying the city is important to Gayaldo, whose own family lineage dates back to Rocklin's earliest days. The second significant aspect about the park touches back on inclusion for all residents. Drawing from her experience as a school bus driver, Gayaldo noted how the "small bus" became this object of separation. "I think it's going to be such a draw," Gayaldo said of Willard Park. "It's inclusion for everyone. I go back to my school bus days and there was this separation between those kids with special needs. We don't have that anymore. All these kids have classes together, they're friends and family. This park is just like that. It's for everyone." Willard Park also includes a newly-installed little free library, which was designed and crafted by a local Eagle Scout candidate. Additionally, the library was painted by the Rocklin High School Mural Club as a public art project and will be maintained by the Rocklin Friends of the Library. Willard Park is located at 820 Lazy Trail Drive, at the corner of Lazy Trail Drive and Painted Pony Lane in the Whitney Ranch community.