Revolutionary new ADA accessible swing added to Lake Vista Park playground

In a first for St. Pete – and only the second in the state of Florida – inclusive and revolutionary new playground equipment has now opened in the Lake Vista Park playground. The “We-Go Swing” provides opportunities for kids of all abilities to play together thanks to its wheelchair access and mutually accessible design.

St. Pete Mayor Ken Welch presided over the ribbon cutting this morning, joined by City Council member Deborah Figgs-Sanders, Parks and Rec staff, and families benefitting from the new swing. Welch joined a local on the swing for its inaugural ride, officially opening the state-of-the-art equipment to everyone in the city.

The ADA accessible swing, which is one of the first of its kind in Florida, helps unite children and families throughout the area for a more inclusive playground experience. The swing features both standard and wheelchair access and is integrated into the overall play experience at the park’s playground.

St. Pete parks among best in the country

Located at 1401 62nd Avenue South, Lake Vista Park is open daily from sunrise to sunset and features a wide variety of community-friendly activities. The park is home to Lake Vista Recreation Center, Lake Vista Pool, a skatepark, a playground, an exercise zone, athletic fields and courts, a dog park, and recreation trails that can all be enjoyed with a serene view.

This ribbon cutting follows last week’s news that St. Pete is ranked No. 14 in the U.S. for park systems by the Trust for Public Land’s 2022 ParkScore rankings. The ParkScore index ranking is based on five characteristics: access, acreage, amenities, equity, and investment. According to The Trust for Public Land, 77% of St. Pete residents live within a 10 minute walk to a park.

Approximately 14% of St. Petersburg city land is used for parks and recreation. The city itself scored 82% for park access equity, and 87% for investment.

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