Later today (Jan. 6), local officials will open an inclusive park at Blanca E. Sanchez Elementary School. The park bring with it new avenues of play for children of all abilities.

A ribbon-cutting will take place from 4:30 to 6 p.m. to officially open the park at 2901 Incarnate Word Ave., between Sanchez Elementary and the McAllen Youth Baseball Complex. Participating officials include those from Hidalgo County Precinct 4, City of McAllen, McAllen ISD, Capable Kids Foundation, H-E-B and Driscoll Children’s Hospital.

Hidalgo County Precinct 4 and Capable Kids Foundation are each contributing $350,000 for the purchase of a three-part play system, specifically formulated for children who may have mobility or other challenges.

As project manager, McAllen ISD installed and will maintain the playscape equipment. The City of McAllen built ADA-accessible restrooms and expanded the parking lot. The playground will be accessible after school hours from 5:30-11 p.m. weekdays and 7-11 p.m. on weekends.

H-E-B donated $100,000 and Driscoll Health Plan donated $25,000 to Capable Kids Foundation to help with the purchase of playground equipment. CAPA (Concrete Asphalt Pipe Aggregates) donated the concrete to Capable Kids for the project which began in summer 2021.