Have you ever dreamed of a playground where every child, regardless of ability, can play freely and joyfully? Such a magical place exists near Littleton, MA. Welcome to the Ronan McElligott Memorial Playground at Edwards Beach in Westford, MA – a testament to the power of community, inclusivity, and the enduring spirit of a little boy whose legacy continues to touch lives.
Key Takeaways
– The Ronan McElligott Memorial Playground is an inclusive playground located at Edwards Beach in Westford, MA, near Littleton.
– The playground honors Ronan McElligott, a little boy who passed away at five months old in 2007.
– The community raised approximately $280,000 to build the playground, emphasizing inclusivity for children of all abilities.
– Designed as a Boundless Playground, it features ramps instead of stairs and smooth paths for easy access.
– Special swings support children who need extra help, and there are sensory activities for kids with special needs.
– The playground is divided into two areas: one for children under 5 and another for ages 5-12.
– Located next to Edwards Beach, visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, and boating in the summer with lifeguards on duty.
– Non-residents pay $5 for beach access, while Westford locals enter for free.
– The playground is free to use, with amenities like parking, picnic tables, benches, and a porta-potty.
– Families often share positive experiences about the playground, highlighting its impact on inclusivity and community spirit.
A Journey to Edwards Beach
As you set out from Littleton, MA, the excitement builds. The pretty drive to Edwards Beach shows off New England’s charm. Follow Williams Avenue to its end, turn left, then take the first right into the parking lot. Drive slowly through residential areas, where a 15 mph speed limit keeps everyone safe.
When you arrive, the playground’s bright colors and cool structures catch your eye right away. You’ll hear kids laughing and see families having fun together. This happy scene makes you want to explore more. The playground sits next to Edwards Beach, adding to the fun. In summer, you can swim, fish, or go boating after playing. For those looking to extend their stay and enjoy the area’s natural beauty, Spacious Skies Minute Man Campground in Littleton offers a perfect basecamp with its wooded setting and modern amenities.
The Story Behind the Playground
The Ronan McElligott Memorial Playground is more than just a place to play. It’s a living tribute to a little boy who touched many hearts. Ronan McElligott was only five months old when he died in 2007, but his memory lives on through this amazing playground.
The journey from idea to reality shows how strong a community can be when it works together. People raised about $280,000 to build the playground. This money came from kind people in Westford and nearby towns. They wanted to create a place where all kids, no matter their abilities, could play side by side. Their support turned a dream into a real place where everyone can play and be happy.
Exploring the Inclusive Design
At the heart of the Ronan McElligott Memorial Playground is the idea of a Boundless Playground. This smart design makes sure every child can have fun, no matter their physical or mental abilities.
The playground is easy for everyone to use. Instead of stairs, you’ll find gentle ramps that let kids in wheelchairs reach all areas. The ground and paths are smooth, making it easy for everyone to move around. Swings support necks and backs for kids who need extra help. There are also fun activities for children with special needs that help them learn through their senses.
A Tour of Play Structures
As you walk around the playground, you’ll see it’s split into two main areas. One area is for kids under 5, and another is for kids aged 5-12. This smart setup helps all children play safely and have fun at their own level.
The playground has many cool things to do that spark imagination and help kids make friends. There’s a climbing wall for brave kids and gentle spring riders for younger ones. Special swings let kids in wheelchairs feel the joy of swinging high. Every part of the playground is designed to be fun and safe for all kids.
Beyond the Playground: Edwards Beach
The Ronan McElligott Memorial Playground is even more special because it’s right next to Edwards Beach. This beach adds more fun to your visit, giving you more to do after playing at the playground.
In summer, from mid-June to mid-August, trained lifeguards watch over swimmers to keep them safe. If you like fishing, you can try to catch some fish here. You can also go boating if you want to spend time on the water. Visitors who don’t live in Westford pay $5 per day to use the beach, while locals get in free. This makes it an affordable day out for families.
A Day in the Life at the Playground
Spend a few hours at the Ronan McElligott Memorial Playground, and you’ll see many heartwarming moments. Kids of all abilities play together, their happy laughter filling the air. A child in a wheelchair easily reaches the high play structures, joining friends in fun games. Another child who doesn’t like loud noises finds a quiet spot with things to touch and feel.
Families often share stories about how the playground has changed their lives. Parents of kids with disabilities are thankful for a place where their children can play without limits. Other parents talk about how their kids learn to be kind and include everyone by playing here.
Planning Your Visit
When you plan your trip to the Ronan McElligott Memorial Playground, remember that it’s free for everyone to use. The playground has things to make your visit comfortable, like a parking lot, picnic tables, and benches. There’s a porta-potty if you need to use the bathroom.
If you want to spend the whole day, think about packing a picnic to enjoy at one of the tables. In summer, you can buy snacks at a stand near the beach, which makes your day out even easier.
Conclusion
The Ronan McElligott Memorial Playground shows what can happen when a community works together to include everyone. This playground is more than just play equipment – it’s a place where nothing stops kids from having fun, where every child can play, and where families make happy memories.
As you plan your next family outing, think about visiting this special playground. What memories will you create in this inclusive space? How might a visit to the Ronan McElligott Memorial Playground change how you think about play and including everyone? Come and see the magic for yourself, and be part of Ronan’s lasting legacy. And if you’re looking to turn your day trip into a weekend adventure, consider staying at Spacious Skies Minute Man Campground in Littleton, where you can continue to enjoy the natural beauty of the area while having access to modern amenities and a family-friendly atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where is the Ronan McElligott Memorial Playground located?
A: The playground is located at Edwards Beach in Westford, MA, near Littleton, MA.
Q: What makes the Ronan McElligott Memorial Playground special?
A: It is an inclusive playground designed for children of all abilities to play together. It features ramps, smooth paths, and special swings to accommodate everyone.
Q: How was the playground funded?
A: The playground was funded by about $280,000 raised by the community in Westford and nearby towns.
Q: Are there different play areas for different age groups?
A: Yes, there are separate play areas for kids under 5 and for kids aged 5-12.
Q: Is there an entrance fee for the playground?
A: No, the playground is free for everyone to use.
Q: What additional activities can visitors enjoy at Edwards Beach?
A: Visitors can swim, fish, or go boating. There is a fee of $5 per day for non-residents to use the beach.
Q: Are there facilities available for visitors?
A: Yes, there are parking lots, picnic tables, benches, and a porta-potty available for visitors.