Ribbon cutting officially opens new playground for all abilities at Fontainebleau State Park

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser and Louisiana State Parks officially opened an all-inclusive playground with a ribbon cutting on Wednesday, November 6, at Fontainebleau State Park in Mandeville, La. Cutting the ceremonial ribbon was Mila Aduli, the sister of Mina Aduli who was the inspiration behind the creation of the playground. The playground is one of two specialized playgrounds that were recently completed. The second playground is located at Bogue Chitto State Park in Franklinton.
Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser and Louisiana State Parks officially opened an all-inclusive playground with a ribbon cutting on Wednesday, November 6, at Fontainebleau State Park in Mandeville, La. Cutting the ceremonial ribbon was Mila Aduli, the sister of Mina Aduli who was the inspiration behind the creation of the playground. The playground is one of two specialized playgrounds that were recently completed. The second playground is located at Bogue Chitto State Park in Franklinton.

MANDEVILLE, La. – Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser and the Louisiana Office of State Parks celebrated the official opening of the all-inclusive playground at Fontainebleau State Park with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The playground is one of two specialized playgrounds that were recently completed. The second playground is located at Bogue Chitto State Park.

“We are thrilled to continue our efforts to increase accessibility across the Louisiana State Parks system. Today’s ribbon cutting is one more step to giving everyone access to experience the beauty of our state parks. These all-inclusive playgrounds give children of various ages and abilities the opportunity to play and interact together,” Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser said. “It’s exciting to bring these special playgrounds to reality for children of all abilities to enjoy and explore.”

 The Fontainebleau State Park playground was inspired by Mila Aduli and Dane Kelly who wanted a playground their sister and cousin, Mina Aduli who faced physical challenges, could enjoy. Mina passed away in 2022, but Mila and Dane held their determination to create a playground that would be accessible to everyone in honor of Mina. The 7,200+ square feet playgrounds include several special features from a safety surface, accessible ramps, a wheelchair accessible "together glider," a tactile roller slide, inclusive swing seat and more.

The playgrounds were funded through a 50% cost-share Land and Water Conservation Fund grant at a cost of $1.13 million for both playgrounds.

Fontainebleau State Park is a 2,800-acre park located southeast of Mandeville on the shore of Lake Pontchartrain. Park grounds include brick ruins of a sugar mill built in 1829 by Bernard de Marigny de Mandeville, founder of the nearby town of Mandeville. An old railroad track that runs through the park was converted into the Tammany Trace as a part of the Rails to Trails program. Overnight options include tent and RV sites, deluxe cabins, and two group camps that each accommodate up to 65 and 100 guests.

Plan your next stay at Fontainebleau State Park, go to LaStateParks.com or call 225-294-5020.