‘Everybody should be able to participate’: Inclusive playground opens in Lake Zurich

Community members gathered in Lake Zurich for a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday marking the opening of Pat’s Playground, a fully accessible outdoor play space at Foglia YMCA.

“Pat’s Playground is a space that will bring laughter, adventure and connection to our community for years to come,” said Kimberly Bless, executive director of Foglia YMCA. “This playground is more than just swings and slides. It’s a symbol of what we can achieve when we come together with a shared vision.”

The Foglia Family Foundation helped fund the playground through donations. The playground is named after founder Vince Foglia’s wife, Pat.

Foglia said it was important for the playground to be inclusive.

“I’m disabled myself, so I’m well aware of what that means to children, too,” he said. “Everybody should be able to participate.”

The playground has an area for older kids equipped with slides, monkey bars and swings, and another for younger children with an interactive farmers market stand and xylophone.

“Today is not just about opening a playground,” Bless said. “It’s about honoring the spirit of generosity and community that made this dream possible.”

Cheers rang out among the crowd after Foglia cut the red ribbon, officially opening the playground.

“Now, the play can begin!” Bless announced.

Pat’s Playground is open to the community with the purpose of bringing children and families together, she said.

“We always want to make sure that families feel comfortable and safe and know that they have a place to go to enjoy and be outdoors, to play, to form memories with other kids that they hopefully will carry with them throughout their lifetime,” Bless said.