TAMPA, Fla. — The city of Tampa has broken ground on an all-inclusive playground.

What You Need To Know

  • The playground will be located at New Tampa Community Park

  • The 10,000 square foot space will be designed for children with physical, cognitive, sensory and socio-emotional disabilities

  • The playground is expected to be ready for children by the end of the year

The 10,000 square foot space will be designed for children with physical, cognitive, sensory and socio-emotional disabilities.

This is the city's first "all abilities" playground and families are excited.

"I feel proud myself," said 26-year-old Zachary Mueller. "So happy for the kids to start playing at the park."

Mueller was born with Down syndrome. His mother says she can remember how challenging it was for him as a child. At the sandbox, parents would steer their children away.

"It just always broke my heart," said Kim Mueller, Zach's mom. "With a disability that's obvious like Down syndrome, they've already judged him what he can or can not do."

City Councilman Luis Viera began pushing for an all abilities playground in 2017.

The playground will be located at New Tampa Community Park. It is estimated to cost $1.6 million. 

The playground is expected to be ready for children by the end of the year.