Rendezvous, along with Koelbel and Company and the National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD), hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, Oct. 3, to celebrate the grand opening of a new adaptive playground at Idlewild Park—a first-of-its-kind space designed to welcome children of all abilities. The playground features inclusive equipment, sensory-friendly zones, and accessible pathways, offering a joyful and barrier-free experience for families visiting the area.
This adaptive playground at Idlewild Park represents a major milestone in inclusive recreation for Grand County. Developed through a partnership between The Town of Winter Park, the National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD) and Rendezvous Colorado, the playground reflects Winter Park’s legacy as the birthplace of adaptive skiing and its ongoing commitment to accessibility and inclusion.
“Koelbel and Company has deep roots in this region and has been building the community of Rendezvous for over a decade, so we feel a deep connection to the residents here,” said Carl Koelbel, president and CEO of Koelbel and Company. “This park will serve the diverse needs of the community and enrich the already existing Rendezvous experience by offering a place that is fully accessible to all.”
Planning began nearly two years ago when Rendezvous Colorado approached NSCD with the concept. NSCD played a critical role in shaping the design to ensure accessibility across all features, and helped facilitate a grant from the Koelbel Foundation to support inclusive elements—features that often add cost to traditional playground builds but are essential for equitable access.
“We believe in providing opportunities for our participants and families to enjoy shared experiences on and off the mountain in Grand County,” said Julie Taulman, president and CEO of NSCD. “This playground is an opportunity to once again level the playing field for people with a disability.”
