QUEENY PARK

ST. LOUIS COUNTY – Hundreds waited under balmy skies Sunday for what was the most inclusive opening in the region at Queeny Park.

Teddy Gooch, 9, led a parade of families down a windy path near the Greensfelder Recreation Complex to cut the ribbon to a new park named in his honor: the Teddy Gooch and Friends Unlimited Play Playground.

"I can't quite believe this day has come," his mom, Erin Gooch, said.

The play space features brightly colored slides, swings, ramps, spinners and more that have been adapted for children with and without disabilities. It replaces the 1970s-era play space that featured concrete tunnels, ladders, a wooden jungle-gym and rocky slopes.

The new playground features a boardgame theme, with inspiration from Candyland, Chutes & Ladders, Connect Four

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