Plans for installation of all-inclusive playground equipment at more Kyle area parks is on the horizon.
The Kyle Area Youth Advisory Committee, made up of Hays CISD students from Lehman High, Hays High and Live Oak Academy, closed their 2018-19 academic year with future plans for the project, which was approved by Kyle city leaders in 2018.
In 2020-21, members of KAYAC plan to continue working toward all-inclusive equipment at all area parks. They hope to start with installing all-inclusive equipment at the proposed Kyle Vista Park, which would be located in the northeastern part of town near the Dacy Lane and Bebee Road intersection.
What is KAYAC?
KAYAC meets three hours a month to organize projects to benefit the city and represent Kyle’s youth to City Council. Students in KAYAC attend meetings on the first and third Wednesday of each month in a style mimicking city council, and will sometimes come to council with their ideas and project plans to get approved. More information about KAYAC projects and resources can be found at cityofkyle.com.
All inclusive equipment has been installed at Gregg Clarke Park and Steeplechase Park in Kyle. Those items were approved into Kyle’s Fiscal Year 2019 budget.
“We have equipment in two parks already,” said KAYAC vice chair Mia Cariaga. “We want to thank council members for (carrying out) our idea.”
When considering the idea, KAYAC students surveyed 850 Kyle residents. Roughly 60 percent of those residents said they were on-board with adding all inclusive equipment and deemed it necessary. At the time, the only local location available with all-inclusive equipment was in Austin.
The all-inclusive playground project has not been completed, but inclusive playground equipment has been placed in two Kyle-area parks over the past year. The equipment would include play areas that have wheelchair ramps, softer surfaces and specifically designed play pieces.
San Marcos recently added all-inclusive play equipment as did Austin and Round Rock. Kyle now, is a more inclusive, and likely more popular, spot for all children. The popularity of all inclusive playgrounds is new, with most popping up in 2018-19 in Central and North Texas.
Another project KAYAC is working on is their Volunteer Resource Guide.
“We put together a Volunteer Resource Guide for citizens to be able to find opportunities throughout Kyle and its surrounding area,” Barrientos said.”
