MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — Ground has been broken on Milwaukee's first universally inclusive and accessible playground, bringing a project more than a year in the making one step closer to reality.

Stella's Playground is being built at Kilbourn Reservoir Park and is designed to give children of all abilities an opportunity to play together.

The project has been in development for about 15 months, with organizers raising $1.5 million to bring the playground to life.

The playground is named after Stella, a 10-year-old girl who was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor in 2023.

Her fight inspired the effort to create a space that could serve children and families throughout Milwaukee.

"Really excited to be able to tell Stella we're making this happen, not just for her, but for all the kids and families in our city," Stella's mother said.

Organizers say the playground will be designed with accessibility and inclusion at its core, creating a space where children with different physical and developmental needs can play alongside one another.

Stella's Playground is expected to be completed in fall 2027.