News: Chippewa Falls' New Playground Is Accessible For All

Date Published	Author
7/20/2026 12:00:00 AM	VolumeOne

On July 6, the Flag Hill Inclusive Playground at Irvine Park opened back up to the public after nearly five years of renovation, offering equal accessibility for every child that visits.
With playground features such as poured-in-place rubber surfacing, wheelchair accessible equipment and adult sized changing tables in the nearby pavilion, families can access a comfortable space to connect with nature and their neighbors.
Chippewa Falls Director of Parks, Recreation & Forestry, John Jimenez, had a spirited vision for Flag Hill after discovering Harpers Playground online, an outdoor experience for children designed in inclusive play regardless of ability.
To gain perspective on this project, the Chippewa Falls Parks, Recreation and Forestry Board held community input sessions giving locals the opportunity to offer suggestions of play structures or elements they would like to see at the playground.
In Jimenez’s opening notes during the meeting, he said, “(The playgrounds) are places where friendships are formed, confidence is built, and memories are made. Every child deserves the chance to experience those moments.”

With the community's support and generosity to create this space, the entire park was fully funded by donors and organizations – Joas Family, Thorpe Foundation, Rutledge Foundation, Dwight and Linda Davis Foundation, Festival Foods, Haas Sons and the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship program – who support the Chippewa Falls Parks, Recreation & Forestry mission to maintain clean, safe, beautiful parks and facilities for all to enjoy.
Since the playground has been open, Jimenez said there has been lots of positive feedback on the improvements. Chippewa Falls local Gretta Lawton – mother of Rowan Lawton, a three-year-old with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy – was excited to gain a new space for her son to explore. 
“The thing that really sets this new park area apart and makes it extra special for families of children with disabilities, it has an adult size changing table,” Lawton explained. “Most gas stations, stores, etc. don't even have these, which means we are changing our children in the trunk/back of the car, or on the floor of a public restroom.”
With these new amenities added, Lawton said it gives their family a sense of normalcy while creating connections and friendships in the community.
Moving forward, Jimenez would like to develop seamless sidewalks across Chippewa Falls' parks – starting with Allen Park (13 S. Bridge St.) – inspired by this project.