Leaders in Dublin joined to shine the spotlight on work now underway to build a new playground suitable for children of all ability levels at Dublin Sports Grounds during a groundbreaking ceremony last week.

The approximately $4 million project to redesign part of the Dublin Boulevard recreation complex will also feature an all-inclusive picnic area, upgraded landscape, new parking facilities, and pathways to improve connectivity to other park amenities such as the sports fields and a new restroom compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, according to city officials.

"The rehabilitation of the Dublin Sports Grounds into an all-abilities playground is a very special project," Dublin Mayor David Haubert said.

"The city saw a tremendous need for this playground, not only in Dublin, but in the greater Tri-Valley region. The feedback from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. We look forward to its opening late next summer," he added.

To be called "The Imagine Playground at Dublin Sports Grounds," the all-abilities playground was designed after a community outreach effort that confirmed the need and desire for city park amenities that can also be enjoyed by children with special needs, according to city officials.

The City Council, as part of approving the project back in February, also signed off on a public art piece -- "Conversations," by artist Barbara Grygutis -- that will be installed near the playground.

Work had already begun on the Dublin Sports Grounds renovations ahead of the Oct. 1 ceremonial groundbreaking, and the all-abilities playground is on track to be completed by next August, city officials said.

The event also featured Assemblywoman Rebecca Bauer-Kahan presenting a check to the city for the $1.4 million in state funding granted to the project.

Dublin Sports Grounds is located in the heart of Dublin at 6700 Dublin Blvd.