City Celebrates Opening of Inclusive Playground at Mahoney Park
Published on July 01, 2025
Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird and Maggie Stuckey-Ross, Parks and Recreation Director, today said the opening of Lincoln’s first fully inclusive playground in Mahoney Park, North 70th and Fremont streets, represents the City’s commitment to listening to the needs of residents and forging innovative community partnerships that meet those needs.
“This playground reflects Lincoln’s values. It’s a space designed with intention, care, and heart. A space where children of all abilities can laugh, learn, and play together. And it’s a symbol of what we can accomplish when we unite around a shared vision of inclusion and access for all,” Mayor Gaylor Baird said.
The nearly 34,000 square-foot fenced area is five times larger than the previous playground and includes a pathway loop to access different play zones, open green space, and sensory gardens. The design includes a centralized shade shelter, drinking fountain, interactive water table, and new play equipment to provide accessible and inclusive play experiences such as swinging, sliding, rocking, climbing, balancing, imaginative play, and fitness.
Funding for the $1,074,450 Mahoney Park project includes a $399,725 grant from the Land and Water Conservation Fund through the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, $399,725 from the City of Lincoln and $275,000 from the Lincoln Parks Foundation.
Joining Mayor Gaylor Baird and Director Stuckey-Ross at the event were James Michael Bowers, City Councilmember; Randy Gordon, Lincoln Parks Foundation Executive Director; Cathy Martinez, inclusive play advocate; and Amber Hancock, playground user and Parks and Recreation Department Adult Day Structure Program participant.
Stuckey-Ross thanked the community members in the Outdoor Inclusive Play Working Committee, Parks Department staff, BIC Construction, the Lincoln Parks Foundation, and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission for their support and work to complete the playground project.
Calling Mahoney Park a “cornerstone of northeast Lincoln,” Stuckey-Ross said parks help define neighborhoods and make them places where people want to live.
“This playground is a reflection of what happens when a
community dreams big – and a City listens. It’s what happens when a community rallies together for each other,” Stuckey-Ross said.
Bowers said the new playground embodies Lincoln’s commitment to provide every child with opportunities to explore, connect, and thrive.
“Kids with disabilities deserve the same opportunities to play and learn alongside their peers in environments designed with accessibility and inclusivity in mind,” Bowers said. “Our community’s investment in this inclusive playground, and in future ones, not only break down physical barriers, they build up a sense of belonging and community for all children.”
Thanking the wide variety of donors for their contributions, Gordon said community investments like the playground and future projects depend on public/private partnerships.
“Our Play for All effort raised funds to support the replacement of seven additional neighborhood playgrounds across the city this summer and into next spring with more accessible surfacing and inclusive play features and that campaign will serve as a springboard for our next major inclusive playground campaign – the Antelope Park Playground,” Gordon said.
Inclusive playground design includes physical accommodations that provide access and specialized equipment to meet certain needs, as well as provide opportunities for everyone to explore and play with children and adults who may have different levels of ability. For more information about the Outdoor Inclusive Play Strategic Plan, visit
lincoln.ne.gov/inclusiveplay.
The City announced in 2024 that Playcore designated the playground design as a PlayCore National Demonstration Site. Playcore recognized Lincoln for its commitment to provide a high-quality outdoor park destination that exemplifies evidence-based best practices in design, offers meaningful experiences, and thoughtfully supports health and wellness in the community.