A roughly two-year project with a million-dollar-plus price tag is getting close to being open to the community.

Bridgeport Parks and Recreation Director Joe Shuttleworth said work is escalating with recent pleasant weather and the ribbon cutting is still set for April 12 for the Medbrook Children’s Charity Inclusive Playground.

The event is set to be held in tandem with opening day for the Challenger League of Bridgeport Little League baseball. Like the playground, Challenger League is designed to allow anyone with disabilities of any nature to have a joyous experience. The inclusive playground project will provide that experience for children, or anyone of any age, by eliminating as many obstacles as possible.

“We’re still shooting toward a goal to have three-fourths of the playground open and ready by April 12 so when Challenger League starts that morning those children, when not playing baseball, can come down with their families and take part in this and the facility,” said Shuttleworth. “I’m certain the upper section of the playground will not be completed by that time, but all the equipment has been ordered.”

Shuttleworth said he anticipated the first of June for the completion of all phases of the playground. Until then, concrete work and equipment installation will continue.

“(Bridgeport) Public Works crews have been completing sidewalks and curbing in recent weeks,” said Shuttleworth. “The curbing is to allow for the poured-in-place (PIP rubber) surfacing.”

A PIP surface is installed on-site by mixing rubber granules with a binder and pouring them over a prepared base. Once it is set, it creates a seamless, durable, and safe surface.

The work, as well as the completed parts of the project, are visible just to the right of the Citynet Center at The Bridge Sports and Recreation Complex. Shuttleworth estimates the cost in the $1.4 million range, but an actual cost of $2 million once in-kind labor, discounted materials, loaned equipment, are figured in.

“The important thing to understand is that there was a little city investment, but the majority of this has been a grassroots fundraising effort,” said Shuttleworth. “… There are so many people that have played really large roles and smaller roles, all of which are important, to get us to where we’re at.

“I think another important thing to note is that it may be labeled a playground, but it is essentially a park,” he continued. “You are looking at a one-acre site with multiple playgrounds on it.”

The playground, or playgrounds, will be free for use by anyone – and that includes anyone outside of Bridgeport.

“We’ve had volunteers from day one starting with the earthwork and going today with our public works staff being so instrumental. We’ve had drainage work, utility lines run, the city concrete crew and so many others eagerly step in and step up,” he said. “When it’s done, you’ll see some grassy areas, but you’ll see this beautiful facility for anyone with disabilities that has the playground feel and a spongy, safe surface that will allow those mobility devices or issues with their legs to just be themselves. The goal of this was to create something special, and we’re feeling good we’re just about there.”