Published July 7, 2025

The City of Dearborn unveiled a third ability-inclusive playscape at Lapeer Park by Dearborn Mayor Abdullah H. Hammoud, and members of the City Council, who joined disability advocates and local families for the park’s grand opening on Wednesday, July 2, 2025.

The innovative, specially-designed play area at Lapeer Park will provide enriching playtime and activities for children of all ages and abilities. The Southend park joins Ford Woods and Crowley Parks to serve families and children of all abilities from every corner  of the city.

With the opening of Lapeer’s inclusive playscape, Mayor Hammoud has delivered on his promise stated at his 2025 State of the City address to ensure that all Dearborn families are within 10 minutes of an accessible park, regardless of where they live in the city. Dearborn unveiled an inclusive playscape at Ford Woods Park in April of this year, and the City’s first at Crowley Park in November 2024. All three playscapes are grant-funded.

Mayor Hammoud stated, “Thanks to the work of local disability advocates and families, our Parks & Recreation team, and the cooperation of our City Council, all Dearborn families now have a place for children of all ages and abilities to let their imaginations run wild and free within 10 minutes of their home.”

The Lapeer playscape theme includes the school colors of nearby Salina Schools. Playscape features include shade sails, a three-story tower, a sensory play center, a communication board, a variety of slides, a wildcat digi-rider, and a bank of swings.

Following years of advocacy from local families, the City began the design process for the playscape project in 2023 with a competition among playscape manufacturers. Designs were ranked by Dearborn Parks & Recreation, disability advocacy groups, and families who led the discussion on preferred features.

The playscapes are part of a larger effort to rehabilitate, protect, and enhance Dearborn’s parks and recreation. The project, spanning dozens of parks, includes construction of three new pocket parks, renovation of pools and athletic fields and facilities, new amenities, and much more.

Learn more about Dearborn parks at Dearborn.gov/Parks. 

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