See what’s new at popular playground at Richland’s Howard Amon Park

Sturgeon Cove, the playground at Richland’s Howard Amon Park, is getting a $1.5 million overhaul that includes modern equipment and more ways for children with special needs to enjoy the park.

Work began in September and was supposed to take about eight weeks. It may not be complete until next spring after early cold temperatures delayed work.

Chris Waite, the city’s parks and public facilities director, said the new pour-in-place rubberized surface can’t be installed unless temperatures are consistently above 42 degrees.

The rubberized mat is key to creating a steady but giving surface so children who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices can use Sturgeon Cove. The old surface was wood chips.

The project will install a new dual zipline and a “whirl,” which Waite said is a modern take on a merry-go-round. The whirl is flush with the ground and includes room for wheelchairs.

The city also is installing an “Expression Swing,” which enables face-to-face swinging. One side features a bucket-like seat for a young child and the other offers a larger seat for parents or older siblings.

The updated playground is bigger and offers more of everything and includes a cruise ship.

The cruise ship was mistakenly labeled “American Empress” in early renditions of the project. That is not the final name, Waite said.

The new playground includes features for children who are neurodiverse — who may want to visit playgrounds but need to be away from the chaos.

Sensory play equipment will offer visual, auditory and tactile experiences.

The city is retaining some of Sturgeon Cove’s more popular features. That includes the beloved Mr. Elephant slide, fish sculptures and rock climbing feature.

Sturgeon Cove joins a growing list of Tri-City playgrounds designed to include children with special needs.

In Pasco, Three Rivers Elementary School was named the ninth best inclusive school playground in the country.

Its playground opened in 2019 and was the only playground of its type in the state. It was designed to address physical and social isolation and allows kids to play alongside one another, even if they’re doing completely different activities.

In 2023, the city of Kennewick created “Kason’s Korner” at the Playground of Dreams, inspired by Kason Kreed, then 9, of Kennewick.

Kason enjoyed using inclusive playgrounds while visiting Spokane and pressed his hometown to embrace the idea.