DES MOINES, Iowa —

The Iowa State Fair has unveiled a new inclusive playground in the Hy-Vee Fun Forest, marking a significant step toward accessibility for children of all abilities.

The $700,000 project, celebrated during this year’s opening ceremonies, features accessible ramps, smooth and stable surfaces and sensory-friendly elements designed to ensure all children of all abilities can join in the fun.

The inspiration for the playground came not from a boardroom but from an 8-year-old fairgoer, Kinsley Hagerman, of Ankeny. Kinsley, who has physical disabilities, found herself unable to climb to the top of the old playground. Her parents, Amy and Micah, decided to reach out to the fair with an email explaining the need for a more inclusive space.

“We thought about it, prayed about i

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