City of Longview installs first sensory playground equipment

The city of Longview’s Parks and Recreation Department has installed its first sensory playground equipment at Rotary Park.

Known as the Temple Trolley, the free-standing equipment is designed to provide sensory relief to children on the autism spectrum and/or with sensory issue, according to the city.

Parks and Recreation employees worked for months to install the equipment, and it was opened to the public this past week.

The Temple Trolley consists of a strap seat attached to a track that swings back and forth in addition to swiveling 360 degrees. Launch pads on both ends provide easy access to the flexible strap seat.

The precision track is engineered for a smooth experience, and its inclined ends help provide rider momentum at either end of the ride, according to the city.

“Anytime the city can provide facility improvements that incorporate underserved individuals is a great opportunity and this is one of those times,” said Parks and Recreation Director John Albertson. "Longview Parks and Recreation is proud to introduce this inclusive piece of playground equipment so that anyone in the city on the autism spectrum or with sensory issues has the chance to play and have fun at our public parks.”

Rotary Park is at 500 Baylor Drive.

The equipment is a results of a collaboration between Play & Park Structures and Temple Grandin, autism advocate, author and inventor.