Construction is now underway for an exciting, new recreational feature for youngsters at Jefferson County’s HJ Carroll Park.

Organizers with Jefferson Universal Movement Playground nonprofit — better known as JUMP! — held a ground-breaking ceremony for the initiation of Phase 1 of the all-accessible playground, the first of its kind in the county.

Braving the rain Friday, May 13, a crowd of around 50 supporters from JUMP!, Jefferson County Parks and Recreation, Interwest Construction, and other planners and donors came out to celebrate the major milestone.

“It’s a destination; a large, attractive playground that’s going to draw people from all over Jefferson County and from out of the county,” said Matt Tyler, manager of Jefferson County Parks and Recreation.

“It’s all-inclusive, so every child will enjoy it,” he said.

The $1.4 million project will provide a variety of motor and multi-sensory experiences for children of differing ages and abilities to enjoy. It will also boast accessible surfacing to give parents, friends, or other caregivers who use assistive mobility devices such as walkers, canes, and wheelchairs a place to roll or safely walk to and watch children play.

The playground has been in the works for around six years, with organizers first considering the project back in 2016.

Sarah McNulty, vice president of JUMP!, said it was important to bolster support for young residents in the county.

“As a staff member of a local school and a mother of two kids, I can say that kids have been through a lot,” McNulty said.

“Inclusion matters, the mental and physical health of our kids matters,” she added.

Jefferson County Commissioner Greg Brotherton noted the widespread support in the community for the new playground.

“The county is really excited about this … we want playgrounds that all people can use,” Brotherton said.

The JUMP! playground is expected to be completed by Sept. 16, according to the nonprofit’s website. Construction of the project will be done by Burlington-based company Interwest Construction.

“It’s really exciting for us, we haven’t done a big project like this in a long time,” Tyler said. “For me, it means moving forward and generating excitement, building community, having not just a playground but a gathering place for people, and to draw people together.”

To learn more about the all-accessible playground, visit nonprofit’s website at www.jumpplayground.org.