SOUTH BEND — Potawatomi Park opened its brand new playground designed for children with special needs. Half a million people visit Potawatomi Park every year, but not all of them enjoyed it the same way. That changed Saturday thanks to the "Fun for All" project.

The playground follows a universal design which means children of all abilities can enjoy it.

A wide wheelchair ramp makes it easier for kids to get to the top.
Next to each slide is a way for kids to climb their way to top on their own.

"So someone in a wheelchair could return to the top come down the slide, push over with their hands here and this has been designed to return up to the top to get back to their wheelchair," explained Christopher Nanni from the Community Foundation.

It's a concept 5-year-old KJ Anderson was quick to pick up. A playground that welcomes walkers and wheelchairs is a dream come true for his mother.

"He's really been to different parks throughout the city and none of them have been able to allow him to move so freely. So it was like his eyes opened up and he was like 'Oh my Gosh. Look at this place!'"

There was no blueprint for a playground with universal design, so organizers turned to parents with special needs kids to see what obstacles they could eliminate and what features they could add.

"When he got his walker on the surface that's made the huge different in that he could move so freely, and get up climb and use the ramps that are made actually wide enough for his walker," said Anderson.

Another plus, the ground is soft. It's made with recycled rubber which is easier for wheelchairs to roll on, and softer for kids to fall on.

"It was really fun," said KJ.

The "Fun For All" project gave KJ the freedom to tell mom it's OK to hang back and watch him enjoy.

"Stay here," said KJ. "OK," said his mom.

The Community Foundation received a grant to help pay for the renovations at the park.

Along with the playground, they also created a new exercise path that is handicap accessible.