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The Ridge Runner Fun Zone Grand Opening.jpg

the ridge runner
fun zone playground

Completed in August 2024, the Ridge Runner Fun Zone Playground replaced a much beloved but outdated playground at Bluefield City Park, the Yakkity Yak Playground. It was designed specifically to capture the theme of Bluefield’s railroad legacy, and its name was drawn from the name of the Ridge Runner train in the park, another beloved icon of the City Park. The playground was built to include a variety of features that make it easily accessible to people of all ages and abilities.

location

Inside Bluefield City Park

hours of operation

During park hours from 8 AM to 8 PM

price

FREE!

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The Ridge Runner Fun Zone design team, led by Cunningham Recreation Project Manager Mitch Reno, put together a complete, research-based playground design that is ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant, inclusive, multi-generational, sensory filled, and designed for users of all ages and abilities. This train-themed inclusive playground features a GT PowerScape play structure with a Train Spring Rider, Merry Go All, Sensory Wave Seat, Sensory Cove Climber, ShadowPlay Sky Runner, PrimeTime Swings and Expression Swings, and is completed with integrated shade, benches, and custom Poured-in-Place safety surfacing. The playground also includes a 40-yard dash, featuring a a running track with an automatic precision timing system that lets runners race and see the time it took them to run 40 yards.

The Ridge Runner Fun Zone Playground was the recipient of the James L. McClelland Public Parks and Recreation Facility Award at the 2024 West Virginia Parks and Recreation Association conference!

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"We are honored to receive the James L. McClelland Public Parks and Recreation Facility Award at this year’s West Virginia Parks and Recreation Association (WVPRA) conference for the Ridge Runner Fun Zone Playground. In our presentation, we highlighted all of the accessibility features that make this playground enjoyable for users of all ages and abilities because that was our priority when working with the playground's design team. We want to thank everyone who was involved in the process of creating this project, and we want to thank the Bluefield community for supporting this idea and utilizing the playground. Turning this concept into a reality was possible because of teamwork, and we will continue to work together toward creating spaces that enrich lives and foster a strong, healthy community."
- Bluefield Parks and Recreation

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