The play area's innovative design enables children of all ability levels to play together in a structure that is fun, stimulating and educational.

It features ramps for wheelchairs and support equipment, colorful soft walkways and interactive playwalls to stimulate all senses, so children with vision and auditory disabilities can enjoy them, too. Nearby are accessible parking areas and toilets. The facility was designed by Jack Griffith, a Berkeley-based landscape architect.

The new play area results from a partnership between the East Bay Regional Park District and Rotary Club of Oakland No. 3. Originator of the idea was Eddie Snow, who is Oakland Rotary's past president, and chairman of its Barrier-free Playground Committee.

Snow presented the idea to the park district after hearing of a Rotary-sponsored barrier-free playground in Portland, Ore. "It's a community and nationwide need that can't be overlooked," he said.

The park district found an ideal location for the venture -- an older existing play area at Roberts. It's a beautiful setting in a redwood grove. Moreover, it's located right next to the Roberts swimming pool, which also is fully accessible.

"The barrier-free playground definitely fits within our commitment to the area and community," said park district director John Sutter of Oakland. "Outdoor play helps children develop both physically and socially. The idea was to remove all barriers so that children with special needs could develop friendships and play alongside their peers who may or may not have disabilities."

The playground was funded by contributions from the park district, Oakland Rotary and its members. There also were significant grants from the Wayne and Gladys Valley foundation, Westphal Family Foundation, HEDCO Foundation, the Thomas J. Long Foundation, Y&H Soda Foundation and Hasbro Children's Fund. In addition, the Regional Parks Foundation raised money in support of the project.

Construction began in 2003 and was completed this year at a cost of $560,000. Future plans call for adding a wheelchair-accessible sand area and a water table with audio aid stations for the visually impaired. Efforts are now under way to obtain additional funds for these enhancements.

To reach Roberts and the play area, take the Joaquin Miller Road exit from Highway 13 in Oakland. Drive up the hill on Joaquin Miller Road, then turn left on Skyline Boulevard. Roberts Regional Recreation Area is about a mile ahead on the right side. There's a parking fee of $4 per vehicle.

CAMPFIRE SING ALONG: The woods of Tilden Regional Park will echo with the strains of "Home on the Range," "Oh, Susanna," and other familiar melodies on Aug. 15 when Tilden naturalist Margaret Kelley leads an old-fashioned campfire sing-along. Dress for possible fog, bring your own hot dogs, buns and marshmallows to roast over an open fire, and prepare for an evening of music and stories from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The group will meet at Tilden Regional Park's Environmental Education Center at the north end of Central Park Drive in Berkeley, then walk a short distance uphill to the campfire circle. The event is free of charge, and reservations are not necessary. Disabled persons needing transportation from the center to the campfire should phone the center at 510-525-2233.

Ned MacKay, retired public information supervisor for the East Bay Regional Park District, writes a weekly column about East Bay parks. If you have a question or comment for Ned, e-mail him at nedmackay@attbi.com.