City of Fort Thomas awarded Kentucky Waste Tire Grant for Inclusive playground at Highland Hills Park


The City of Fort Thomas has been awarded funding through the Kentucky Waste Tire Crumb Rubber/Tire Derived Products Grant Program to support the development of a new inclusive playground at Highland Hills Park.

(Photo from City or Fort Thomas)

The project will replace an outdated and unsafe playground with a modern, accessible space featuring separate play areas for ages 2-5 and 5-12. Inclusive elements will include an Alta Glide Inclusive Glider with ADA-accessible ramping, an Inclusive Whirl, and sensory play features.

The playground will utilize a crumb rubber, tire-derived surface, providing a firm, stable surface that improves accessibility for wheelchair users while supporting Kentucky’s waste tire recycling efforts.

“We are grateful to the Commonwealth of Kentucky for this support,” said Fort Thomas Mayor Andy Ellison “This project reflects our commitment to safe, inclusive, and sustainable spaces for all children.”

Highland Hills Park serves more than 17,000 residents and visitors and is a key recreational destination in the region. This project will further enhance its role as a welcoming space for all.

Construction is expected to begin in early June 2026 and should be completed the same month.

City of Fort Thomas