New all-inclusive Millpond Parkway park opens for Orange County

A new all-inclusive park opened today along scenic Millpond Parkway, giving Orange County residents a fully accessible outdoor space designed for people of all ages and abilities. The park, open daily from dawn-to-dusk, features an accessible design and free parking directly in front of the site, lowering common barriers that keep families and people with disabilities from using public recreation.

The project prioritizes universal access rather than separate features, so visitors should find play areas and pathways that work for children and adults with a range of mobility, sensory and developmental needs. The Village extends thanks to volunteers and local businesses whose time, effort and generosity helped bring the park to life, reflecting a community-wide investment in inclusive public space.

Public health experts emphasize that neighborhood parks are more than playgrounds: they are preventive health infrastructure. Regular outdoor play and safe walking routes support physical activity, reduce stress, and provide social connection that can combat loneliness and isolation. For caregivers and families of people with disabilities, an all-inclusive playground removes logistical hurdles and creates space where everyone can participate together, rather than segregating play by ability.

From an equity perspective, accessible parks address a persistent gap in city planning. Low-cost, universally designed public spaces reduce disparities by offering free, convenient places for exercise and respite to residents who may lack private yards or the resources to travel to specialized facilities. Opening the Millpond Parkway park is a practical step toward fulfilling local obligations to make public amenities usable by all community members.

The location and simple amenities are meant to encourage spontaneous use: the park is situated along Millpond Parkway with free parking directly in front, making short visits and intergenerational outings easier for families, older adults and people using mobility devices. Because the site is open every day from dawn-to-dusk, it can serve school pickups, after-work visits and weekend family time without entry fees or restricted hours.

As the park begins daily operations, the immediate impact will be measured in increased neighborhood activity, greater opportunities for inclusive play and more visible community gathering. Long term, this space could influence policy by showing how modest investments and local partnerships can produce accessible public goods. Residents are invited to visit the new playground, experience the accessible features firsthand and consider how similar approaches could be expanded across the county to make recreation truly available to everyone.