Accessible Playground at Bowdoin Park Now Open

POUGHKEEPSIE – There is a brand-new playground to add to summer fun bucket lists! Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino and Dutchess County Parks celebrated the opening of a brand-new, universally accessible playground at Bowdoin Park with a special ribbon cutting today. The playground, located near Pavilion 2 and the soccer field area, is now open daily during regular park hours.

“We are thrilled to open this great new feature at Bowdoin Park just in time for summer fun for the whole family,” said Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino. “We asked residents to help pick which design was their favorite last year, and we listened! We are grateful to the dedicated team at Dutchess County Parks for bringing this exciting project to fruition and encourage park-enthusiasts all ages and abilities to come explore this new feature.”

Over 1,400 people weighed in last year when County Executive Serino asked for feedback about two different accessible playground designs. Nearly 70 percent of survey participants chose a design from playground designer KOMPAN that highlighted Bowdoin Park’s natural beauty and local wildlife.

The new playground includes over 8,000-sqare-feet of cushioned “pour and play” surface designed to represent a river, a stream, and land inspired by the park’s rich natural history. Play structures continue the nature theme with snapping turtle “springers,” birds such as park-favorite eagles perched above the swings and other structures, and climbing towers that look like trees. Accessible features include adaptable swings, a universal carousel, sensory play features, and wheelchair accessible ramps on some structures. The playground also includes two shaded areas for wheelchair users or camp chairs.

A plan for future additions to the area’s landscaping, such as benches and shade trees, is being developed by the Parks team.

Director of Parks Brian Coons said, “This playground is inspired by the natural beauty of Bowdoin Park – from the turtles in the pond to the eagles in the sky. We are proud to bring this new accessible playground option to families of all abilities to enjoy and are grateful to the County Executive and County Legislature for the continued support of our Parks programming.”

Bowdoin Park is located at 85 Sheafe Road in the Town of Poughkeepsie. The new playground is the latest in a series of ongoing improvements to Dutchess County Parks, including the opening of a sprayground water feature at Wilcox Memorial Park in Milan last summer.

To learn more about all the amenities and programs available at Bowdoin Park as well as other Dutchess County Parks, visit www.dutchessny.gov/parks or call the Dutchess County Parks at (845) 298-4600.