The heart of the Boerne community was on full display Tuesday at City Park where dozens of friends, family and neighbors gathered to celebrate the official opening of Ammie’s Playground.
Not even 50-plus mph winds could hamper the joy shared by those in attendance as the ribbon was cut on the playground, which now proudly boasts several new accessible play features.
The playground has been renamed Ammie’s Playground in honor of Annmarie “Ammie” Palacios.
Ammie was a 3-year-old who called Boerne home along with her parents, Adam and Brady Palacios, and her three siblings. She was lovingly adopted at birth and faced numerous developmental and muscular challenges.
Youngsters play Friday on Ammie’s Playground at City Park. Spinning Riley, Reese, Elouise and Sutton are Calvin, left and Mason.
Star photo by Jeff B. Flinn While doctors did not expect her to live beyond a few months, Ammie defied the odds and lived a life full of love and joy until she passed away at the age of three.
The pivotal moment in the creation of the newly renovated playground took place a year before Ammie’s passing, when Brady took Ammie and her siblings to City Park to play. As her siblings ran off to play, Ammie struggled to navigate the uneven mulch in her motorized walker. Unable to follow her siblings, Ammie became visibly upset.
Brady searched the park for equipment that could accommodate Ammie but found none.
Determined to see Ammie have fun at the park, Brady placed the young girl in her sister’s car seat and then placed the car seat in a tire swing, to give her daughter the opportunity to enjoy the playground.
From that day at the park, Brady began a campaign to ensure that Ammie and children like her would have a place to play. Tuesday’s celebration was the direct result of those efforts.
“I’m just so thankful that you all get to enjoy this with your children and that we get to watch our children enjoy it as well,” Brady Palacios said. “I wish it was here sooner, but I’m so beyond thankful it’s here now.”
Adam Palacios told those in attendance that not enough could be said about all that Brady did to make this happen, including the many interviews, grant requests and nonprofit events she completed and attended to garner support for the playground project.
“Brady kept fighting for this place, even after Ammie passed, even when there was no chance of Ammie playing in this place. She kept fighting,” Adam Palacios said. “Not for her own kids, but for other kids who would one day be able to play here.”
The playground was closed shortly after the start of the year for the installation of new amenities designed to promote inclusive play for children of all abilities. As part of the renovation, a new smooth, rubberized surface was installed in place of mulch to allow easier access for children using mobility aids and to better absorb impact.
“This isn’t just about one playground; it represents our city’s ongoing commitment to accessible and inclusive play,” said Lissette Jimenez, Boerne Parks and Recreation director. “This is a step toward ensuring all Boerne’s children, regardless of ability, have a space where they can play, grow, and thrive.”
Other new features include a celebration spinner, inclusive spinning seat, butterfly photo station, toddler musical instruments, a 12-foot sensory board and a buddy bench to foster connection.
A plaque will be placed at the playground in the coming weeks as a permanent reminder of the little girl who inspired its creation.
“This is the culmination of several years of work from a lot of people behind the scenes,” Boerne Parks Association President Trace Klein said. “This is what the Boerne Parks Association was founded on – coming together to create more green space and park space for the whole community to play and thrive in.”
Another key partner in the project was the PlayWell Group, a local playground equipment company that shares in the vision to create inclusive spaces like Ammie’s Playground.
“This playground is a testament to what happens when a community comes together for something bigger than themselves,” Jimenez said. “The Boerne Parks Association led the charge, and through their efforts, along with countless donors and advocates, raised $155,000 to transform this playground into an inclusive space.”
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