VILSECK, Germany -- A gaggle of bright-eyed children helped U.S. Army Garrison Grafenwoehr Commander Col. Vann Smiley maneuver a giant pair of scissors. Together, they cut a ribbon officially opening the new "boundless" playground located on Rose Barracks at Little Mike Park, Aug. 12.
A similar playground opened on Main Post, near Building 244 the same day.
While the playgrounds are intended for all children, the synthetic materials and buoyant floor, as well as boundless perimeter, creates a fun and safe atmosphere for children with special needs.
"All children need an outlet for physical and social well-being," said Netarshia William, program specialist for Army Community Service's Exceptional Family Member Program. "But an environment like this can help children with physical and emotional impediments improve their physical and cognitive skills."
The playgrounds took more than a year and a half to complete with a price tag of $250,000 each, funded through the Department of Defense EFMP office.
The Department of Public Works designed and implemented the project, creating an obstacle of slides, swings, climbing walls and balance beams.
While the new playground brings educational and social benefits for children and parents alike, most of the test subjects on opening day saw the value of good ol' fashion play.
"I like the swings the best," said 6-year-old Kayliana Highland. "They are always fun."
Kingsley Keller agreed, stating the swing was fun, but preferred to call himself a "slide man."
"It's because I can go super fast," said the 6-year-old.
EFMP sponsored the grand opening with support from ACS, Child, Youth and School Services and the Red Cross.
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