New inclusive community playground opening up next week in Hibbing

Piece by piece, the new inclusive community playground in Hibbing is coming together.

It started with one piece of equipment years ago, and the dream of a mother who has a son with a sensory disorder. "It was just a mom advocating for her child," explained Linnea Walli, the playground chair. "I was looking for a way for him to have a sensory break during the day."

Now, thanks to fundraising efforts, the PTO was able to help raise $250,000 for an entire new playground designed for meeting a variety of needs and interests.

Work has been underway since mid-July. Tyler Hakala is the project manager. "We got creative and reused the existing site. It’s nice to get involved in the community," he told us.

Greenhaven’s principal is excited for her kids to try it, as well as others in the community. "It will be nice having people coming in from the outside, too," Carrie McDonald said.

The plan is to have the grand opening celebration next Thursday, the 12th, at 12pm.

Families with special needs or disabilities are invited to a special hour from 10:30-11:30am for a sensory free inclusive play hour and explore the playground. The public is asked to reserve that space for them.

Greenhaven is at 323 E 37th Avenue.