Thursday, August 6 | Volume 40 No.21

WESTSIDESTORY NEWSPAPER

City of Rialto Celebrates Grand Opening of its First Inclusive Playground at Rialto City Park

RIALTO, CA--- The City of Rial- to celebrated the grand opening of its first fully inclusive playground with a Grand Opening Ceremony at Rialto City Park on Friday, July 31, 2026. The new playground, themed "You Belong Here," is defeatures specialized poured-in- place surfacing so children using mobility devices can travel inde- pendently. Key highlights include roll-up musical play elements, a wheelchair-accessible merry-go- round and a teeter-totter with safe

New "You Belong Here" playground earns national PlayCore CORE signed to welcome children of all transfer points. The space also Demonstration Site recognition abilities to play side by side.

The playground has been des- ignated a National Demonstra- tion Site by PlayCore's Center for Outreach, Research & Education (CORE). The distinction recog- nizes its adherence to the seven Principles of Inclusive Playground Design: Be Fair, Be Included, Be Smart, Be Independent, Be Safe, Be Active and Be Comfortable. The site also incorporates the Play On! curriculum, a standards-based physical education program de- veloped with Shape America and Louisiana State University to pro- mote fitness and active play for all children.

The fully inclusive playground is designed to accommodate a wide range of physical, sensory, cogni- tive and social abilities. The park incorporates an accessible rope climber and a unique roller slide that uses spinning rollers to pro- vide gentle, calming sensory feed- back while remaining cooler in direct sunlight.

These thoughtful design ele- ments are aimed at closing the gap of routine exclusion that chil- dren with disabilities often expe- rience at standard parks, giving every child in Rialto an opportu- nity to play. By offering activities where children can climb, spin and create music together side by side, the new facility helps build physical strength, confidence and friendships for all youth in the community.

To read more, visit westsidestorynewspaper.com.

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PERINATAL EQUITY IN SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY

In California, about one in every ten babies is born too early. But for Black women, the risk of giving birth early- called preterm birth-are nearly twice as high. Early births can mean more health risks for both the baby and the mother.

That's why the Black Infant Health (BIH) program is such a vital resource in our community.

BIH recognizes that racism, economic stress, and where you live can all affect a mother's health and her baby's chance of survival.

black infant health

Empowering Pregnant and Mothering Black Women

The program offers a free, culturally supportive program for Black and African American women. If you're a Black woman who is pregnant or has had a baby in the last six months, BIH is for you, regardless of your income. Program participants can earn essentials like diapers, clothes, baby supplies, and safe sleep supplies.

BIH is more than just classes. It's a community where you can build friendships, gain confidence, and feel seen and heard by someone that cares about you. If you or someone you know is pregnant or has a newborn, reach out. These programs are free, supportive, and grounded in love, respect, and culture.

Together, we can build healthy beginnings for Black families. For more information, visit dph.sbcounty.gov/bih or call 844-352-3985.

• SAN BERNARDINO
• Public Health
• COUNTY