Jonesboro, AR – Jonesboro Right Now – The recently renovated, inclusive playground at University Heights Lions Club Park was unveiled in a ribbon cutting ceremony Tuesday morning.

The playground, designed to be more inclusive for children with disabilities, features a paved walkway for wheelchair users. It also uses astroturf, which is wheelchair-accessible, as well as rope climbing feature that allows children who may be unable to walk to still access slides and other playground equipment.

“We want to make it inclusive where everybody has access regardless of their ability or disability,” Parks and Recreation director Jim Stearns told JRN. “As we continue to upgrade playgrounds to improve safety, improve enhancement, improve activity, this is the result of that.”

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Prior to the renovations, Stearns said the park was in disrepair. The City of Jonesboro announced in October 2025 that upgrades were underway at the park, and it is part of a series of planned playground upgrades designed to emphasize inclusivity, such as the planned Disciple Drive park.

“It’s also important that we bring them [city parks] up to date as best we can and [improve] the accessibility to all members of our community, because not everyone can go to certain parks,” Mayor Harold Copenhaver said in the ceremony. “This allows them to come to their part of their community for their park.”

University Heights Lions Club Park is located at 502 N. Bridge St.

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