Inclusive Playground Nears Completion at Kelley Park

McCOOK, Neb. — What began as an idea three years ago is now taking shape in bright colors and curved ramps at Kelley Park, where an inclusive playground is nearing completion.

“I had this goal of what I wanted to see happen,” said Mariah Pierson, an occupational therapist and one of the project’s lead organizers. “But I just learned along the way — we all did. The city has been amazing. Without them, we would still have no idea how to make it happen.”

Pierson first started exploring the idea in 2022 after her sister mentioned a similar project in Holdrege. From there, a committee formed — made up of Kacee Karr, Kaylee Wiemers, Michelle Dickes, Marisa Hoins, Stephanie Montey, Tricia Wagner, Molly Herzberg, Katie Stagemeyer, and Tina Kennedy — and together they set out to raise nearly a million dollars.

“Honestly, when we started, we thought it would take forever,” Pierson said. “But once people heard about it, the community really stepped up.”

The City of McCook contributed funds and helped the group secure major grants, including enough to replace the planned mulch areas with a full rubberized surface. “That means no barriers at all,” Pierson said. “You can get around everywhere — wheelchairs, strollers, walkers. Everyone can truly participate.”

Built for Every Age and Ability

The new playground features a wheelchair-accessible swing, an accessible merry-go-round, and a communication board for nonverbal children. Play areas are designed for multiple age groups, including a smaller structure for infants and toddlers and a market-and-fire-truck zone for preschoolers.

“It’s exciting to see it come to life,” Pierson said. “You don’t look at it and think ‘that’s handicapped accessible’ — it just looks fun. It’s for every kid.”

Committee member Katie Stagemeyer, who grew up in McCook, said she was immediately inspired when asked to join. “When I walked in and saw what they’d already put together, I was just excited to help,” she said. “It’s so cool to see how the city and community have supported this.”

Community Support and Encouragement

Longtime community volunteer Dale Dueland, who happened to stop by the park during the visit, said the playground represents what community collaboration can achieve.

“This is proof of what happens when people work together,” Dueland said. “Some of us help raise money, and some of us just point others in the right direction — but there are always opportunities out there if you reach for them.”

As the group walked the site, they admired the finished structures — bright slides, tunnels, and ramps leading to new play areas that connect seamlessly down the slope.

“It’s exciting,” Pierson said. “You have this design in your head and on paper, but to actually see it come to life is really cool.”

Looking Ahead

Crews expect to complete concrete and equipment installation within the next couple of weeks, but the final rubber surfacing and other finishing work will depend on the weather. Cooler temperatures may delay the process.

“I think this shows what can happen when people in McCook come together,” Pierson said. “We have so many great parks, but this one truly removes the barriers. Now every child — and every parent or grandparent — can play together.”