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A VISION OF INCLUSIVITY: Maryville Parks and Recreation’s Sisson Eek Park Sees New and Inclusive Upg
by MPRA
Submitted by Elizabeth Lyle, Marketing and Events Manager | Maryville Parks & Recreation
In a significant boost to the Maryville community, Nodaway County Services has funded a major upgrade to Sisson Eek Park on Lincoln Street. This enhancement, completed in collaboration with Maryville Parks and Recreation (MPR) and ABcreative, marks a major step forward in making local playgrounds more inclusive and engaging for all residents.
The newly redesigned playground at Sisson Eek Park embodies a strong commitment to inclusivity, integrating features designed to accommodate and engage children of all abilities. The park was chosen for its existing wheelchair-accessible bathroom and pavilion, which made it an ideal candidate for this enhancement. While seamlessly integrating with the park's existing features, the design ensures the playground is accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
The upgraded playground introduces several standout features, including a large rope structure supporting over 30 climbers at once and a zeroentry merry-go-round designed for wheelchair access. An interactive game requiring participants to wind a handle adds a hands-on element to play, while shaded areas offer a comfortable break from the sun and synthetic turf enhances safety and playability.
The grand opening of the newly upgraded Sisson Eek Park took place on Tuesday, July 9, and was met with enthusiastic community support. With over 500 people in attendance to celebrate the joyous occasion for the Maryville community, attendees enjoyed a variety of treats, including cotton candy, lemonade, and coffee from the local coffee shop The Perk, as well as shaved ice from Kool Kats, a local favorite. The event featured a ceremonial ribbon cutting to mark the official debut of the park's new features, and Nodaway County Services distributed commemorative t-shirts to add a personal touch to the celebration.
MPR Director Jeff Stubblefield expressed enthusiasm for the park’s future, stating, “This has always been one of the most popular parks in town. This is a great addition to Sisson Eek; we’re really excited about the future of this park.”
“We have been blessed with how we’re doing as a company and our partnership with Maryville Parks and Recreation,” said Nodaway County Services Director Mark Parra, highlighting the importance of the partnership. “We use their facilities. We’re grateful and wanted to give back something to the community.”
Since the playground upgrade, Sisson Eek Park has seen a remarkable increase in attendance. An impressive 120% increase in visitors from July 2023 to July 2024 shows the positive impact of the new equipment and enhancements. Sisson Eek Park now serves as a vibrant and welcoming space for all members of the Maryville community. This project highlights the power of collaboration between local services, community organizations, and design professionals to create recreational spaces that cater to diverse needs. The revitalized park enhances the quality of life for Maryville residents and serves as a shining example of how community-driven initiatives can make a meaningful difference.
