A playground launch party is being held Tuesday at Progressive Community Services to inform the public about a universal playground that will break ground in St. Joseph early next year.

Lynn Smith, Executive Director of Progressive Community Services said, “Our organization helps make sure that people with developmental disabilities are included in both the work and play in our community. This playground will be a wonderful place for children and their families to play together and meet other children and families in the community.”

Progressive signed a contract with the organization Unlimited Play to create a playground in St. Joseph that will be accessible to everyone.  The new playground will be located at the new YMCA site, the St. Joseph Community Campus, near the Shoppes at North Village.

Unlimited Play describes itself as an organization that “partners with community organizations and municipalities to design, fund raise and build universally accessible playgrounds.” The non-profit organization was born from the hopes of two parents who wanted their child with a developmental disability to be able to play on structures and with others at their community playground.

The community kicked off party will be held Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. at Progressive Community Services located at 1620 N. Woodbine Rd. in St. Joseph, Mo.