Charlottesville, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Community members are invited to “Party in the Park” on Sunday, April 27, from 1–5 p.m. at Penn Park, celebrating the progress of Bennett’s Village, a nonprofit dedicated to creating inclusive play spaces for people of all abilities. The event marks the completion of the park’s first phase, which features a fully accessible treehouse. 

“Bennett’s village was an organization formed several years ago to celebrate a young man who had a very severe disability, wanted to play in parks,” said board member Steve Gaines. “The closest one that he could play in was in Richmond. So, Bennetts Village is a reformation of Penn Park to turn it into a park that all abilities… can play.”  

Attendees can look forward to live music, food, vendors, face painting, and a chance to explore new features like the ADA-compliant trail Josie’s Way, which may be partially open, and the innovative treehouse equipped with electric outlets. Entry is free, but registration is encouraged at bennettsvillage.org, where guests can also enter to win door prizes, including a Tony Bennett–signed jersey. 

Listen here for more information: