Playground Dedicated by Belmont Board of Developmental Disabilities

(Belmont BDD photo)

Head Start kiddoes helped Superintendent Gloria Llewellyn officially open the new inclusive playground at the Belmont County Board of DD on May 13, 2025. Children of all abilities can now swing, slide, and soar together!

ST. CLAIRSVILLE – A partnership in Belmont County has resulted in the creation of a new inclusive playground for children of all abilities.

The new play area, located at the Belmont County Board of Developmental Disabilities at 68421 Hammond Road in St. Clairsville, was made possible through a collaboration between the County Board of Developmental Disabilities, the Alternative Residences Two Board, and the Belmont County Community Action Commission, with additional funding provided by the American Rescue Plan Act.

The new playground is one part of the County Board’s commitment to universal design that ensures accessibility for all people.

“Because of our partners, there is now a place where every child, regardless of ability, can come together to play, laugh, and grow,” said Gloria Llewellyn, CEO/Superintendent of the Belmont County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

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The new playground features a communication board for children who do not use words to talk, as well as features that allow children with physical disabilities to play alongside their peers.

The playground was designed, and equipment provided, by GameTime.

“This is more than just a playground – it’s a place of connection, inclusion, and joy,” Llewellyn added.

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(Belmont BDD photo)

Partners and other special guests came together to unveil the new inclusive playground at the ribbon cutting on May 13, 2025. From left: BCBDD Board member Joel Braido; Commissioner Jerry Echemann; GameTime Project Manager Taylor Kolanko; AR Two Board members Deedra Balgo, Ray Anderson, and Lynn Donda; CAC Head Start Director Fran Steed; DD Board Superintendent Gloria Llewellyn; Commissioner JP Dutton; and Gwen Simeral, CAC Community Engagement Manager.

This accessible playground is the latest addition to the resources offered at the DD Board. Each week it serves dozens of children and families enrolled in Early Intervention, the public schools, and agencies that also serve people with differing abilities.