Palmer First Church of the Nazarene in Alaska recently opened a 9,000-square-foot fully accessible and inclusive park for disabled and special needs individuals and their families. The park is another level of connection between Palmer First and its community.

The park has handicap-accessible restrooms, a pavilion, and inclusive playground equipment. Its surface allows people with wheelchairs, walkers, or crutches to navigate it easily. It even includes a communication board that allows non-verbal guests to communicate with each other.

One of the most popular pieces to the playground is the “We-Go-Round,” which has a transitional base that allows people in wheelchairs to play.

In 2021, Lead Pastor Joseph Parreira began asking himself, “Where is the church not engaged?” His attention initially turned to special needs and disabled individuals, but the scope eventually widened.

“It was more than just the individual with a disability or special needs,” said Parreira. “It was their loved ones and caretakers who were also impacted.”

One of the first ways Palmer began reaching out to this community was through the Night to Shine program, a prom experience for special needs students.

The first edition was a huge success, but the fact that it was only once a year left church members with the impression they needed to do more.

“We knew we had something,” Parreira said. “We had to do something that would create community regularly.”

Then came the idea for the park. Amy O’Brien, administrative director at Palmer First, took on the project, consulting parents, professionals, and other community members to help develop a park that would be a true community asset.

The park’s grand opening was held on 16 August, with over 450 community members present to witness the ceremonial ribbon cutting. Parreira estimates upwards of 40 people visit the park at any time.

One unexpected benefit of the park is how it has engaged the elderly community. The National Association of Child Care Resources estimates that 40 percent of grandparents are childcare providers for their grandkids. The ease of access to all the playground equipment allows the grandparents to interact with their loved ones.

Because the park is on the church property, Parreira says it’s an “on-ramp” for visitors to join with the church.

“When people know you care, it creates the opportunity for them to care about what you know,” Parreira said. “And in this case, we know that God loves them and wants to make that love known.”