Thompson Park playground to receive major upgrades with new park

AMARILLO, Texas (KFDA) - Nearly $1.2 million has been awarded for a new handicap-accessible playground in Thompson Park.

City Council approved the Phase 1 site work for the new playground at Tuesday’s council meeting.

The playground will be handicap-accessible with ramps and other accommodations for those with accessibility concerns.

“We have partnered with parks to try to create a new park that would be accessible to everyone in the community, no matter their ability level, if they have sensory concerns. We’re hoping that this park can provide a play space for everyone,” said Stefanie Rodarte-Suto, deputy director of community development for the City of Amarillo.

The money comes from a Community Development Block Grant and general construction with Parks and Recreation.

The City of Amarillo Parks and Recreation Department is also working on putting more lights at the park to keep it safer at night.

“They are expanding, so this Parks and Rec Department has thought out of the box. Mr. Kashuba has been bringing those quality-of-life issuances and he’s been doing it within his given budget. Now, he’s borrowing money to get this done so he can pay it out over the next five, six, seven years,” said Mayor Cole Stanley, City of Amarillo.

Rodarte-Suto says if a family needed an accessible park they had to drive 20 minutes across town to Medi Park.

“There was no reason for every family to have to do that when we have a great park area here on the northeast end of town. So we just thought that would be a great option to bring a play space, really similar, unique in design, but just have some of those similar elements,” said Rodarte-Suto.

This is just phase one in the project and will include the dirt and site work at the park.

The community development team will present different options for the park to the city council for approval at the next city council meeting.

They will also discuss some of the community feedback they have received about the park and the playground’s appearance.