BAY VILLAGE, Ohio — On Wednesday, Cleveland Metroparks officially opened Karen's Way Play Space in Bay Village's Huntington Reservation.
Karen's Way Play Space features a willow tunnel, slide, log tables and chairs, climbing structures, an interactive water play area and separate swing sets for ages 2-5 and 5-12. In addition, there is a twin 50-foot-long kid-friendly zipline. Both the swing set and zipline feature ADA inclusive seating and the slide is accessible due to its unique embankment design.
The new, nearly one-acre children’s play space incorporates "an expansive nature-based design that pays homage to the historic lakefront reservation," according to Cleveland Metroparks.
“Karen’s Way Play Space is the latest addition to Huntington Reservation and makes this historic lakefront park even more of a destination for families,” said Cleveland Metroparks CEO Brian M. Zimmerman. “The expansive play space will help our youngest generations connect with the natural world.”
Additional features of Karen's Way Play Space include a mini-playhouse, stage and musical play components in recognition of the nearby BAYArts. The play space also has extensive sandstone seating throughout as well as stroller parking. You can also take a seat in a Willow Bench, a piece of functional art made from a retired wind turbine blade by Cleveland-based Canvus.
The space connects to the recently updated Noshery concessions building, Sunset Picnic Plaza and nearby restrooms by a paved accessible path.
The project was designed in house by Cleveland Metroparks Planning & Design team, was built by Cleveland Metroparks Construction team and was fully funded by Karen’s Way Inc.
More from 3News:
- Leon Bibb: The stage is set for autumn's big show
- Cleveland Metroparks Zoo: Gorilla troop to be featured in upcoming 4-episode Netflix livestream
- Susie's Bear Hollow opens at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo: Here's what you can expect
- Mission Possible: Northeast Ohio business designs solution to wind industry's turbine blade problem
- Planet CLE: Avon company gives new life to decommissioned wind turbine blades