New community destination will promote accessibility, recreation, learning and wellness for people of all abilities, with completion anticipated in May 2027
Opportunities, Inc. celebrated a major milestone on October 28 with a groundbreaking ceremony for its new Barbara LeDuc Learning Center and Inclusive Park in Fort Atkinson. Representing a $3 million investment in the Fort Atkinson community, the project will create an accessible outdoor space designed to welcome people of all abilities, ages and backgrounds.
Fort Atkinson currently does not have an inclusive park of this kind. The new park will address that need by providing opportunities for recreation, physical activity, outdoor learning, sensory exploration and social connection in an environment designed to help everyone participate. Completion is anticipated in May 2027.
“This project is about more than building a park. It is about creating a place where everyone belongs, where families can spend time together, where people can connect with their community and where accessibility is built into the experience from the beginning,” said Barb LeDuc, President/CEO, Opportunities, Inc. “We are excited to bring this vision to life for Fort Atkinson and the surrounding communities.”
At the groundbreaking ceremony, Jeff Theder, Opportunities, Inc. board chair surprised the crowd and announced that the park will be named the Barbara LeDuc Learning Center & Inclusive Park to honor Barbara for her work to bring this project to fruition, 40 years of leadership at Opportunities Inc. and dedication to the community.
A park designed for the entire community
While the park will support individuals served by Opportunities, Inc., its impact is intended to extend well beyond the organization. The space will welcome individuals and families throughout Jefferson County and beyond, creating opportunities for people of different ages and abilities to enjoy the outdoors together.
The park is envisioned as a community resource for a wide range of visitors, including:
- People with disabilities and their families: A recreational environment designed to reduce barriers to participation and provide opportunities for individuals with physical and developmental disabilities to engage with their community.
- Homeschooling families: An outdoor destination for experiential learning, nature exploration, physical activity and opportunities to connect with other families.
- Local schools and students: An environment for outdoor education, life skills, sensory experiences and inclusive recreation.
- Older adults and seniors: Accessible walking paths, exercise opportunities and welcoming outdoor spaces to support movement, wellness and social connection.
- Individuals and families throughout Jefferson County and beyond: A shared destination for recreation, outdoor learning, healthy living and meaningful connections across generations.
By creating a space that serves people across generations and abilities, Opportunities, Inc. hopes to strengthen the community while expanding access to recreational and wellness opportunities that are not currently available in Fort Atkinson in this inclusive format.
The visualization of this space as a playground for all ages and abilities, takes more than just market-based pragmatics it takes empathy, foresight, imagination and leadership. The Fort Atkinson Community is lucky to support Opportunities, Inc. as an institution within our city, and we are lucky to be supported by Opportunities, Inc. as a corporate citizen. We are enriched by their mission, employees and clients. Rebecca Houseman, City Manager, City of Fort Atkinson.
More than a playground: Learning, wellness and sensory exploration
The Opportunities, Inc. Barbara LeDuc Learning Center & Inclusive Park is being designed as an accessible life-learning and recreational space for adults and children with physical and developmental disabilities. Its features will support sensory stimulation, social interaction, motor-skill development, healthy lifestyles and opportunities to learn through everyday experiences.
Planned features include:
- Sensory exploration area: Interactive elements such as xylophones, drums and illuminated light-up musical games will encourage sensory engagement and enjoyment through music.
- Life-learning zones: A simulated street-crossing area with working stoplights and crosswalk signals will provide opportunities to practice street safety and essential community-living skills.
- Cognitive and motor pathways: Wayfinding paths and an in-ground surface piano will encourage movement while supporting cognitive development and motor skills.
- Recreational activities: Outdoor bowling lanes, shuffleboards, activity areas and a miniature putting green will offer opportunities for play, coordination and friendly social interaction.
- Gardening and art areas: Accessible spaces will allow visitors to grow fruits and vegetables for cooking, explore gardening and create and display artwork.
- Health and fitness pavilion: Outdoor exercise equipment and a yoga area will encourage physical activity and healthy habits.
- Accessible walking paths: A paved, graded walking path with seating and distance markers will provide a safe, accessible route for movement and exercise.
- Covered gathering and quiet spaces: Shelter, shaded areas and designated quiet spaces will provide options for rest, reduced sensory stimulation and protection from the sun.
- Safety and comfort features: Planned amenities include park-wide sun covering, air-conditioned restrooms and a first-aid station.
- Accessible surfaces: Turf and paved surfaces will be incorporated to support ease of movement and accessibility.
The park will also include outdoor games and gathering areas for visitors of different ages. Flowers, gardens and other elements inspired by nature will help create an inviting environment that encourages exploration and enjoyment of the outdoors.
To further support accessibility, the project includes renovations to existing buildings on the property to create a learning and gathering space, along with handicap-accessible bathrooms and accessible parking.
Together, these features will create a space where recreation and learning complement one another, giving visitors opportunities to build practical skills, exercise, explore their senses and participate in community life.
A Community Investment Built Through Partnership
The $3 million project represents a significant investment in Fort Atkinson and the surrounding region. Beyond the physical improvements, the park is intended to contribute to a more welcoming community by creating a shared space where people with and without disabilities can spend time together.
Opportunities, Inc. is partnering with Maas Brothers Construction, Inc., StrucRite, and Lee Recreation as contracting partners in advancing the project.
“For individuals served by Opportunities, Inc., the park represents more opportunities to enjoy recreation, practice life skills, build relationships and participate in their community. — Jeff Theder, Board of Directors Chairman, Opportunities, Inc.
Help bring the vision to life
The October 28 groundbreaking marks an important step forward, but community support remains essential to bringing the Learning Center and Inclusive Park vision to life. Opportunities, Inc. continues to raise funds to support the project and help make this inclusive destination a reality.
Individuals, families, service organizations, businesses and community partners are encouraged to learn more about the project and explore opportunities to contribute. Support from the community will help advance a space intended to serve people of all abilities for generations to come.
“Although our Opportunities, Inc. foundation and board of directions approved a significant contribution of $3 million dollars for this project, continued fundraising and community support are needed to help bring this project to Fort Atkinson and the surrounding region.” — Barb LeDuc, President/CEO Opportunities, Inc.
To learn more about the Barbara LeDuc Learning Center and Inclusive Park, follow project updates or find information about supporting the initiative; visit oppinc.com/opportunities-inc-learning-center-and-inclusive-park.
With completion anticipated in May 2027, Opportunities, Inc. looks forward to working alongside its partners and the community to create a destination where accessibility, learning, wellness and recreation come together—and where everyone is welcome.
