The Inclusive Play Area at Canyon Country Park has been named a “Project of the Year” for 2020 by the American Public Works Association (APWA).

City officials announced Thursday that the APWA’s Southern California Chapter has recognized Canyon Country Park’s Inclusive Play Area as a 2020 “Project of the Year.”

“This project provides a place where children can play and socialize in ways they could not have otherwise, due to physical limitations,” said Mayor Cameron Smyth in a statement Thursday. “This inclusive social interaction is critical for all children, and we were thrilled to be able to add this amenity to Canyon Country Park.”

The Inclusive Play Area was opened in January of 2020, and includes a number of features suggested by Santa Clarita residents throughout the public input process, including a dual-track inclusive zipline, sensory-friendly elements, accessible connections to existing facilities and a large shade structure to protect visitors from the sun in the summer months.

It has since become “a favorite among Santa Clarita residents due to its amenities that allow for people of all abilities to play and enjoy their time together,” according to city officials.

See Related: City Opens Inclusive Play Area At Canyon Country Park

“The Inclusive Play Area has meant that my family can continue being an active part of the community,” Santa Clarita resident Angie Ashe said in a statement Thursday. “All of my children can play at the playground. As a family, we are limited in finding places where we can all enjoy ourselves, but the Inclusive Play Area is a place where each one of my children can find something fun to do.”

The play area is open to all age groups and abilities, and is designed to be a place where youth can explore a variety of elements in the expansive western-themed space for the first time, according to city officials.

The Inclusive Play Area at Canyon Country Park is located at 17615 Soledad Canyon Road in Canyon Country.

Residents seeking more information about the City of Santa Clarita’s Inclusive Play Area at Canyon Country Park are encouraged to contact project manager Elena Galvez at egalvez@santa-clarita.com.

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