No one should have to sit on the sidelines of the playground because they’re not able to maneuver the landscape or access the playground equipment. We’re not the only ones who have identified the need for all-inclusive, accessible playgrounds for kids; a majority of the reason we see these parks today is because a community member saw a need. Take a look at these five parks all across the nation that you should add to your travel list!
- Brooklyn’s Playground – Pocatello, Idaho: Built with the love and support of the community, Brooklyn’s Playground was created to give the gift of play to children of all abilities. Brooklyn’s Playground is a community-wide volunteer effort to build the first fully-inclusive playground. Chock-full of fun, a visit to the park is a must for anyone in the area!
- Hope Park – Frisco, Texas: Not only accessible for those in power chairs and wheelchairs, Hope Park was designed for children with a wide variety of special needs. There are sensory engaging elements of the park including Soundplay accessible instruments. Next time you’re in the DFW Metroplex, take a break and play at Hope Park!
- Tatum’s Garden – Salinas, California: After a family stopped during their road trip to play at Brooklyn’s Park in Pocatello, Idaho, they were inspired to create the same thing for their young daughter with Spina Bifida. From there, everything was set into motion for Tatum’s Garden. Next time you’re road tripping near the Salinas area, stop by to play at the county’s first fully-inclusive and accessible playground.
- Taylor’s Dream: A Boundless Playground – Fort Wayne, Indiana: When a girl named Taylor saw another student who wasn’t able to enjoy the playground equipment, she decided to take action. Along with her friends and the Parks & Recreation Department, they worked together to create a 42,000 square-foot playground. Designed with age-specific play pods and a splash pad which serves as a hub for all of the play pods, this playground was named as one of the top 50 playgrounds in the nation.
- Jake’s Place – Cherry Hill, New Jersey: Jake’s Place was created to honor Baby Jake’s memory after he left this world all too soon as a result of a rare cardiac condition. Jake's family chose to honor him by creating a specially designed, all-inclusive playground based on their belief that EVERY child deserves a chance to play, regardless of physical limitations. With synthetic surfaces, wide ramps, sensory and implements to work on coordination, this playground has something for everyone!
We hope you feel inspired and ready to take your kids out to play! If there’s an all-inclusive park near you be sure to leave us a comment – we’d love to see it! For more information about our options to make those with limited mobility more independent, contact us today!
