Plans For New Handicap Accessible Playground Announced For Pope’s Island

City officials and leaders from a local non-profit organization have teamed up to place a state-of-the-art fully handicap accessible playground on Pope's Island.

The announcement was made by Mayor Jon Mitchell and the Team Noah Foundation Friday morning.

Foundation creator Victor Fernandes says the park will allow families with children with various disabilities to have fun and enjoy the outdoors.

"This is going to be a place where they can all come out and enjoy some time all together. This is the biggest project we've ever put in place and we're very excited about this," Fernandes said.

Mount Vernon Group is responsible for the design of the 15,000 sq. ft. playground.

Architet Frank Tedesco says the park will feature "equipment that's accessible to those disadvantaged in various ways" as well as "various sensory-type equipment."

The equipment will help with sensory and motor skills devlopment.

The project is to be funded through a private and public partnership consisting of public and private monies, though a final cost has not yet been determined.

Construction is expected to begin next spring.

If you'd like to donate, you can visit teamnoahfoundation.org or send a check to:

Team Noah Foundation
1031 Phillips Rd.
New Bedford, MA 02745.

Please make checks out to Team Noah Foundation.