Building Back A Better Butterworth
Scroll down to see our concept for updates.
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Children in the parish have played on the playground equipment of the Jane Butterworth Memorial Park for nearly 35 years. It has been much loved but has reached the end of its life. The equipment was to be maintained by the Women's Service League with the library being responsible for the grounds upkeep. Since the Women's Service League is no longer active the library faced the choice of removing the equipment without replacement or to lead its revitalization. We have chosen to lead. I have secured $30,000 from the parish, the Library Board of Control has dedicated $60,000, I have applied for and received a grant of $20,000 from the American Library Association, and I anxiously await a determination from Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation for a grant award of $24,999.
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In additional to financial partners we also have the following community partners:
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West Feliciana Parish LSU AgCenter - Helping replace sidewalk activities
West Feliciana Parish Schools - Community outreach
West Feliciana Parish Schools, Dept. of Special Education - Community outreach to families served by their Dept.
Meadow Creek Natives - Pollinator Garden
If you or your business would like to be included in this project, please contact Stacie.
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Our goals are:
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Replace outdated and inaccessible playground equipment with inclusive structures designed to accommodate children with mobility impairments, sensory processing challenges, and other disabilities.
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Improve playground accessibility for both children and caregivers by installing ADA-compliant groundcover to allow wheelchair and mobility aid users to navigate the space safely and independently.
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Increase participation among children with disabilities by creating a welcoming and inclusive environment that encourages both independent and social play.
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Enhance safety and security by adding perimeter fencing and designated entry points to prevent elopement risks for children with autism or other conditions that impact impulse control.
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Foster community inclusion by designing a space where children of all abilities can play together, promoting interaction between children with and without disabilities.
To put it more simply: Our goal is to have a playground that sparks joy and creates connection for all residents.
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In addition to the above goals we will plan for ongoing
Please provide feedback through our Contact Form or by emailing Stacie Davis, Library Director @ sdavis@wfplibrary.org
Community Feedback
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The park’s proximity to the library, shade, and fencing are the top reasons for its preference. These features should be prioritized in the redesign.
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Purchase multiple swings, high-quality slides, and a variety of climbing structures. These are the most critical and universally desired playground elements.​
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Better maintenance and cleanliness of equipment is important
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​While a minority of respondents indicated accessibility concerns, it’s still a significant number that should be considered. Ensuring inclusive and accessible play structures will benefit these families.
​​Created with input from experts in child development, the fun and whimsical designs of the Mini City reflect life through the eyes of a child. Each product in the Mini City line was designed to be enjoyed by children of all abilities, including those with autism, developmental delays, and those who use mobility devices.
With open designs that keep little ones easily in sight, parents and caregivers can enjoy peace of mind while encouraging interactive and imaginative play.
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Perfect for toddlers and preschoolers, Mini City helps build physical and gross motor skills while supporting different types of play—whether kids are exploring on their own, playing side by side, or working together on new adventures.
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Visit the Mini City Brochure for a full overview of features.
For Ages 2-5
This area would be focused solely on toddlers and preschoolers. Our planned ground surface will be artificial turf.
Playhouse
The Mini City Playhouse has interactive details that give kids the chance to pretend to cook, care for pets, and more. Openings are designed to accommodate a user with a wheelchair and allow caregivers to be involved in the play. The Mini City Playhouse is packed with interactive features, adding an element of realism to this wonderful world of imagination!
Community
Helpers
Community Helpers gives kids a stage to emulate helpers in their own communities—such as police, doctors, and firefighters. A built-in transfer point provides an opportunity for children to transfer out of their wheelchairs to access the interior and go down the slide. Generous openings are designed so caregivers can be involved in the play.
Betti's Bus
Have you ridden Betti's Bus? Local Bus Driver Betti Dooley is the inspiration behind my customization of the Mini City "Truck."
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Interaction occurs at ground level, making it broadly accessible. The generous interior space is designed to accommodate everyone, including those with wheelchairs who can wheel in and join in the play.
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Bookworm Climber
Climb aboard a bookworm!
Reading Nook
Read, rest, or chat with friends! The Reading Nook will be book a book themed social hub with an interior designed to support people of all abilities, including those using wheelchairs.
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For Ages 5-12
This area would be focused solely on ages 5-12. Ground cover choice would be loose rubber (ASTM F3012-22 standards) which provides excellent impact absorption.
Model: 718-S242
Elevated Play Activities: 7
Ground Level Play Activities: 2
https://www.miracle-recreation.com/product/tots-choice-structure-2/
Swings and Other Things
Generations Swing
Parents, grandparents, and older children can now swing face-to-face with a toddler, and join in on the fun! The only thing that tops an exhilarating, wind-in-your-hair swing ride, is sharing the experience with a child.
Inclusive Swing Seat
Swing sets are one of the most iconic playground features. Many kids love the thrill of soaring into the sky from the safety of their swing. Now everyone can join in on the fun of this favorite playground experience regardless of their abilities or needs with the Inclusive Swing Seat from Miracle® Recreation. The inclusive swing set offers a secure seat and the ability to attach a harness when needed to provide a safe swinging experience for all.
Survey Reponses
There were 233 responses total.
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Awareness of the Park’s Name
55% (127 respondents) were not aware that the playground next to the library is called Jane Butterworth Park.
45% (104 respondents) knew the name.
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Frequency of Playground Visits
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Most common visit frequency:
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A few times a year – 68 responses
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A few times a month – 64 responses
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Once a month – 37 responses
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Rarely or never – 25 responses
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Once a week – 22 responses
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More than once a week – 14 responses
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👉 Key takeaway: The majority of families visit the playground at least a few times a year, with some visiting monthly or even weekly.
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Awareness of the Sports Park
94% (217 respondents) knew there was a playground and water play area at the West Feliciana Sports Park.
6% (13 respondents) were unaware.
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👉 Key takeaway: The lack of awareness is minimal—most respondents know about the Sports Park.
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Why Families Choose Jane Butterworth Park Over the Sports Park
158 people (Top Reason) → "It's next to the library."
158 people → "I like the trees and shade."
96 people → "It has a fence around it."
58 people → "It's closer to my home."
8 people → "I didn't know there was a playground at the Sports Park."
Other unique responses included:
"It feels more private and safer for kids."
"Better for smaller kids."
"We only use the Sports Park after an issue with wasps and ants at Butterworth Park."
"My son loves driving the truck there."
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👉 Key takeaway: The park’s proximity to the library, shade, and fencing are the top reasons for its preference. These features should be prioritized in the redesign.
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Accessibility & Special Needs Considerations ♿
91% (211 respondents) said the children they bring to the park do not have disabilities or special needs that affect their ability to use the playground.
9% (20 respondents) indicated that the children they bring do have special needs.
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👉 Key takeaway: While a minority of respondents indicated accessibility concerns, it’s still a significant number that should be considered. Ensuring inclusive and accessible play structures will benefit these families.
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Top Priority (Must-Have Equipment)
These items received the highest number of Very Important votes and should be prioritized:
Swings → 135 votes (Very Important)
Slides → 137 votes (Very Important)
Climbing Structures → 113 votes (Very Important)
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👉 Recommendation: Purchase multiple swings, high-quality slides, and a variety of climbing structures. These are the most critical and universally desired playground elements.
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Medium Priority (Nice-to-Have)
These items had a mix of Very Important and Important votes but weren’t as universally prioritized:
Sensory Play Panels → 52 (Very Important) | 81 (Important)
Balance Beams or Steppingstones → 57 (Very Important) | 74 (Important)
Seesaws → 44 (Very Important) | 84 (Important)
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👉 Recommendation: If budget allows, include sensory play panels for inclusivity, balance beams for physical activity, and seesaws for group play.
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Lower Priority (Consider Optional)
These items had mixed or lower priority rankings:
Spinners → Only 33 (Very Important), but 49 respondents said Not Important At All.
Musical Play Equipment → 58 (Very Important), but 29 respondents said Not Important At All.
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👉 Recommendation: Consider adding spinners or musical equipment only if budget allows and if they fit the overall playground design.