LA PLATA — Families in La Plata have a new place to play. The town reopened Wills Memorial Park on Saturday, Oct. 24, with a new playground designed so children of all abilities can play side by side, along with refreshed courts, a soccer field and picnic areas.
Town officials marked the reopening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, according to a Town of La Plata news release.
The centerpiece is an ADA-accessible playground with sensory play elements, accessible play components, ground-level activities and pathways designed for children with different mobility and sensory needs. It is split into separate areas for children ages 2 to 5 and 5 to 12, with slides, climbers and swings, plus four shaded benches for parents and caregivers.
A nod to the town’s railroad roots
The design leans on La Plata’s history. The town grew up around the Pennsylvania Railroad’s right-of-way in the 1870s, and the playground includes two custom train-themed play structures. A large tower pays tribute to the park’s historic water tower.
“Safety was a key priority during the design process,” said Vicki Kelly, chair of the La Plata Parks and Recreation Commission. She said the play area uses modern equipment, impact-absorbing surfacing and age-appropriate structures that meet current safety standards.
Beyond the playground, the park has refreshed basketball and tennis/pickleball courts, a soccer field and picnic areas.
A 1968 gift
The land was donated to the town by the Wills family in 1968, Mayor Jeannine James said.
“What an exciting day for La Plata! The Wills family gave our Town an incredible gift when they donated this land in 1968, and I am so proud that we are continuing to honor their generosity nearly 60 years later,” James said.
She called the project an investment in the community and in a special part of the town’s history, one that generations of La Plata families can enjoy.
Why it matters
Families of children with disabilities often have few nearby playgrounds where their kids can play alongside siblings and friends. An accessible, age-separated playground in the county seat gives La Plata’s roughly 10,000 residents, and visitors from across Charles County, a closer option.
The release did not say what the renovation cost or how it was funded. More information is available on the Town of La Plata website.
