For most kids, a playground means fun and excitement. But for children with disabilities, it can be a reminder of the activities they can’t easily enjoy.
That’s about to change in St. Johns County.
The County Board has approved the Diamond of Dreams, a $2.2 million park designed to be accessible to all children, including those with disabilities.
Kendall Hardwick, a staff member in the county school system and wife of Sheriff Robert Hardwick, supported the project at a recent County Board of Commissioners meeting.
“This is an underserved, often underrecognized population in our community,” she said.
A Playground for Everyone
The park is a partnership between the county and the St. Johns County Police Athletic League. It will be funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and will include:
- A wheelchair-accessible baseball and multipurpose field
- Dugouts, a press box, and family seating
- ADA-compliant parking and restrooms
- A fully accessible playground
This will be the county’s second all-inclusive park, joining Aberdeen Park, located about 30 miles away.
Commissioner Christian Whitehurst praised the decision.
“If you ever visit Aberdeen Park, you’ll see a smile on every child’s face,” he said. “Building another one in the southern part of the county will benefit children for generations.”
Funded by Pandemic Relief
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 provided money to help communities recover from the pandemic. St. Johns County received $51.4 million, which has been used for projects like:
- Hastings Vocational School
- West Augustine Medical Facility
Now, part of that funding will help build a playground where every child can play, no matter their abilities.