One year ago, neighbors, volunteers, and local organizations gathered in Candy Cane Park to cut the ribbon on New Glarus’ first inclusive playground. The celebration marked the culmination of months of fundraising, planning, and hard work by New Glarus Cares and the community. Today, the playground is a thriving centerpiece of neighborhood life.

“Candy Cane Park has been a great addition,” said Shelly Johnson, president of New Glarus Cares. “Groups with young children often meet there during the day while the older kids are at school, but probably the busiest time during the school year is right after school when the bus drops off kids from the neighborhood. The park was also full much of the summer.”

For neighbors like Melissa Gordon, the park’s impact has been easy to see. “I have seen a lot more families at the park. It seems to have brought older kids out to play even though my kids think the equipment changes have felt to be for younger kids,” she said. “I almost always see families and kids there using the park. I think some play groups have started to meet at Candy Cane instead of other parks around town, too.”