When we think of accessible playgrounds, we often first think of the child. But accessibility means inclusive for all, and that includes parents. Through inclusive playgrounds, children of all abilities are able to play side-by-side. And the inclusivity doesn't stop there—with more accessible features like rubberized surfaces, even parents who use wheelchairs can become more involved in their child's play.
Accessible parks and playgrounds are gaining momentum around the United States. We've rounded up one in each state to get you started.
Alabama - Riverwild Playground
Located at the historic Delano Park, Riverwild Playground is part park, part culture & botanical garden, and part restoration. Incorporating accessible surfacing and ramps, this playground enables families to play together in a fun, safe, and accessible environment. The splashpad, inspired by Alabama rivers, was built with the mission of accessibility and fun for all children.
https://delanopark.org/
825 Gordon Dr SE
Decatur, AL 35601
Alaska - South Anchorage Sports Park
Featuring a fully accessibly sand pit, a double slide with rollers and benches, and a custom apple-themed climber/slide structure, this new inclusive playground makes up part of this large complex located in South Anchorage. Unique to this park is the inclusion of "cozy cocoons," designed to give children a break from the activity in a quiet and safe place.
http://www.muni.org/
779 W Klatt Rd
Anchorage, AK 99515
Arizona - Chaparral Park
This ADA-accessible playground integrates supportive swings and other sensory equipment alongside challenging structures so that children can participate together no matter the age or ability. Spinning play features, which research suggests can be helpful for children diagnosed with attention deficit disorder, autism, or other emotional and sensory issues, provide a calming effect and wider walkways and ramps make it easier for wheelchair users to access raised platforms.
https://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/parks/chaparral-park
5401 North Hayden Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85250
Arkansas - Mills Park
Designed as an accessible playground for both parents and children, the goal of Mills Park is to bridge the gap and encourage everyone to play together. Incorporating elements of play design for all types of abilities and levels, this playground includes features like accessible sidewalks, rubber fall zones, and special swings with harnesses.
http://www.cityofbryant.com/903/Mills-Park
1003 Mills Park Rd
Bryant, AR 72022
California - Shane's Inspiration Griffith Park
Opened in 2000, Shane's Inspiration Playground at Griffith Park was the first Universally Accessible Playground in the western United States and the largest in the nation. Featuring adaptive swings and multiple whimsical themes, Shane's Inspiration promotes inclusive play among children of all ages and abilities. Don't miss your chance to venture into space with The Lucky Star chaser or sail the seas aboard Ronald's Ship of Dreams!
https://www.laparks.org/playgrounds/griffithUAPk
4800 Crystal Springs Road
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Colorado - Inspiration Playground
Integrating state-of-the-art, sensory-rich structures, Inspiration Playground enables children with and without disabilities the opportunity to play together in the same space. Completed with alliance with Shane's Inspiration Playground Organization, Inspiration Playground features a wheelchair-accessible teeter-totter, splashpad, elevated walkways, and more. This playground also boasts a buried sleeping giant that snores when his nose is tickled!
https://www.fcgov.com/aro/inspirationplayground.php
2626 West Horsetooth Road
Fort Collins, CO
Connecticut - Bushnell Park
Designed as an inclusive playground for children of all abilities, Bushnell Park's main attraction is the gold dome that resembles the state capitol. Sensory panels integrate additional games and puzzles while the rocking horses provide a quieter place to play. In addition to a rubberized surface for better access, the playground's color-varying steps make it easier for children and adults to see differences between a step and a platform.
http://www.bushnellpark.org/
1 Jewell St
Hartford, CT 06103
Delaware - Georgetown Elementary School
Inspired by seven-year-old student Adriana Jennings, this adaptive playground at Georgetown Elementary School features new equipment to accommodate all students. In addition to therapeutic swings with safety steps, this playground also boasts a "jam shack," a wheelchair-level space filled with drums and percussion instruments. A horizontal slide enables children with limited movement to build arm strength while lowered platforms are accessible by ramps in addition to wider stairs.
https://ge.irsd.net/
301-A W Market St
Georgetown, DE 19947
Florida - Boundless Adventures Playground
Located at The Garden of the Five Senses, the Boundless Adventures Playground is a new park that has an emphasis on seating and shade. In addition to special swings, a seesaw, slides, and more, the park also includes soft, rubberized matting. Don't miss the park highlight, the Sway Fun Glider, a unique glider that features room for two wheelchairs alongside two benches to ride at the same time.
https://www.cityofnorthport.com/
4299 Pan American Blvd
North Port, FL 34287
Georgia - Murphey Candler Park
This new 10,000 square foot playground includes 50 feet of sweeping ramps for easy access, 42-inch guardrails for safety, musical instrument zone, chalkboards, and so much more. Including swings, slides, and climbing structures, this universally inclusive playground provides active fun for parents and children of all abilities.
http://www.murpheycandlerpark.org/about-the-park.html
1551 West Nancy Creek Dr NE
Atlanta, GA 30319
Hawaii - Hui Aloha Playground
The island of Maui gets a more accessible way to play at the Hui Aloha Playground. Including wide ramps to platforms, a rubberized surface, an accessible swing, and more, kids of all abilities can play together. Recently updated, much of the equipment at Hui Aloha is new and makes for a great place to get away and relax.
https://www.mauicounty.gov/
111 Kahului Beach Rd
Kahului, HI 96732
Idaho - Brooklyn's Playground
Brooklyn's Playground was a community-wide volunteer effort to build the area's first fully inclusive playground. Designed as a space where children of all abilities can come together, this playground features 14,000 sq. ft. of an all-weather rubberized surface to provide access for those with mobility challenges and provide a safe cushion in the event of falls. With wide walkways, multiple ramps, accessible swings, and more, this playground is designed not just for children, but parents with disabilities as well.
https://www.pocatello.us/
1400 W Quinn Rd & Northern Lights Drive
Pocatello, ID 83202
Illinois - Dennis H. Rinderer Park
This new all-abilities playground features inclusive play opportunities for children of all ages and abilities. Not only meeting ADA standards, this park features a Rock-n-Ship, a wheelchair-accessible teeter-totter. Additions coming soon to this playground include accessible zip-lines, merry-go-round, swings, and more surfacing.
https://www.highlandil.gov/city-parks/pages/rinderer-park
13214 Trestle Rd
Highland, IL 62249
Indiana - West Commons Playground
Encompassing more than 25,000 sq. ft., this playground features a futuristic theme designed to spark the imagination of kids of all ages. Including multiple caves and tunnels for those that require a respite from the activity, the swing platforms are accessible. The rubber safety surfacing also includes rolling hits and dots for added creative play.
https://www.carmelclayparks.com/
920 Central Park Dr W
Carmel, IN 46032
Iowa - The Arc of Southeast Iowa
Featuring unique additions like a wheelchair-accessible Sway Fun Glider and Cozy Cocoons, a bubbled-shaped play area for children who like enclosed spaces, this playground is designed to be inclusive for children of all ages. Staff hopes to expand with a sensory garden, sandboxes, and more.
https://www.arcsei.org/
2620 Muscatine Ave
Iowa City, IA 52240
Kansas - Leawood City Park
Adaptive swings, platforms accessible via ramps, a jungle gym, and more, are all accessible via a foam-rubber surface at this new playground. Don't miss the zipline, which is equipped with a special harness for children of all abilities.
https://www.leawood.org/
10601 Lee Blvd
Leawood, KS 66206
Kentucky - Fischer Fun Park
This new state-of-the-art all-inclusive playground includes sensory equipment, devices that make musical sounds and animal noises, and a rocking boat that can be used by those in wheelchairs. Other fun features include a giant blue fish bridge, slides, swings, and a wheelchair-accessible Ten Spin (similar to a merry-go-round).
https://www.cityofsomerset.com/
310 Pumphouse Rd
Somerset, KY 42502
Louisiana - Louisiana Special Education Center
As central Louisiana's first wheelchair-accessible playground, this new playground has been a long time in the making. Modeled after a beloved nearby theme park, the new playground at LSEC features different play panels, musical instruments, rockers, and more.
http://www.lsec-la.org/
5400 Coliseum Blvd
Alexandria, LA 71303
Maine - Jude's Park
This universally accessible playground features equipment specially designed to enable children of all abilities to play alongside each other. Rubber surfacing, musical instruments, accessible swings, and merry-go-rounds are just a few of the features that make up this all-inclusive playground.
https://www.lewistonmaine.gov/
Lewiston, ME 04240
Maryland - Thurmont Park
This fully inclusive park includes ramp-accessible play equipment, a rubberized play surface, "cozy cocoons" for those with sensory issues, and ADA-compliant swings. Additionally, the city addressed the play area as it connects to the park area to ensure there are no steps or other obstacles that could hinder the playground's accessibility.
https://www.thurmont.com/2152/Parks-Recreation
11 S Altamount Ave
Thurmont, MD 21788
Massachusetts - Martin's Park
You won't miss the large pirate ship climbing structure that anchors this playground. Surrounded by a rubberized surface and accessible via ramps, Martin's Park is the city's newest all-inclusive playground. Built to honor Martin Richard, the youngest victim killed in the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings, this one-acre space includes swings, slides, and even a miniature amphitheater.
https://www.boston.gov/
Boston, MA 02210
Michigan - Rotary Park
As Livonia's first universally accessible playground, children and parents alike will be able to play here regardless of their abilities. Featuring accessible swings, ramps, transfer stations, diverse climbing options, and more, this playground caters to those of all ages and level of abilities, ranging from sensory difficulties to limited mobility and visual impairment.
https://ci.livonia.mi.us/
Six Mile Rd & Hubbard St
Livonia, MI 48152
Minnesota - Madison's Place
Backed by the Madison Claire Foundation, an organization that aims to help communities set a new standard of accessibility and innovation for play, Madison's Place playground is the Twin Cities' East Metro's first completely handicapped accessible, "inclusive" playground. Designed for children with and without disabilities, this playground encompasses 16,000 square feet of shade-covered play decks, several wheelchair ramps, sensory equipment, swings, a splash pad, and much more.
https://www.woodburymn.gov/
4125 Radio Dr
Woodbury, MN 55125
Mississippi - Bruce Ladner Memorial Park
Every piece of equipment in this playground, including the Omnispin® can be used by children and parents of ranging abilities. A roller table acts as a modified slide, adaptive swings are equipped with harnesses, and different panel activities are designed for those with sensory challenges. Equipped with accessible bathrooms, plenty of shade, and ample parking, this playground is the perfect destination for all families.
http://disabilityconnection.org/
16385-16473 MS-53
Gulfport, MS 39503
Missouri - McCoy Park
Featuring a pioneer theme with a fully accessible play structure, this park can capture the imagination of children of all abilities for hours of fun-filled play. A rubber safety surface makes it easy to access structures. Don't miss the covered wagon, mining cart, arch saucer swing, and adaptive swings.
http://www.ci.independence.mo.us/
24 Highway & N Delaware St
Independence, MO 64050
Montana - Silver Summit in McCormick Park
Covering 30,000 square feet, this playground offers something for kids of all abilities, including rubberized matting, sensory features, and much more. The "play mountain" designed to resemble Mount Sentinel features a side of steep climbing for able-bodied children while another side includes a gradual slope accessible via wheelchair or with assistance of ropes and climbing holds.
http://www.ci.missoula.mt.us/
600 Cregg Ln
Missoula, MT 59801
Nebraska - Lost Creek Elementary School
Accessible via wide ramps and a surface that makes it easier for wheelchairs and walkers to get around, this new inclusive playground has been a great new addition to Lost Creek Elementary School. Don't miss the merry-go-round with bucket seats, accessible swings, wider balance beams, and much more.
https://www.columbuspublicschools.org/
3772 33rd Ave
Columbus, NE 68601
Nevada - Haley Hendricks Park
Additions to this park include a rubberized surface and a splash pad for hot summer days. The new Sway Fun Glider enables children of all abilities to play alongside each other. Promoting motor skills, problem-solving, and social & emotional skill development for all children, the city parks and recreation department aims to provide activities for all residents.
https://www.cityofhenderson.com/
811 Itchaca Ave
Henderson, NV 89015
New Hampshire - Legacy Playground
As the first accessible playground built in New Hampshire, the playground includes features like the oodle swing, we-saw, integration carousel, and slidewinder (which includes an accessibility ramp). Also don't miss the sensory seat, a freestanding seat equipped with a five-point harness that enables safe spinning.
https://www.nashuanh.gov/
2-4 Cleveland St
Nashua, NH 03060
New Jersey - KIDSPOT
The new rubberized surface and accessible glider are just one of the many new enhancements found at the KIDSPOT playground in Rutherford. Sloped sidewalks, new entryways, accessible restrooms, and handicap parking spaces were all included in the playground's redesign to enhance accessibility for parents and children alike.
https://www.rutherfordboronj.com/
88 Darwin Ave
Rutherford, NJ 07070
New Mexico - A Park Above
The goal of this park design was to create an inclusive social play environment. Located on six acres, A Park Above's playground features a splash pad, accessible play equipment, multiple shade structures, outdoor musical instruments, adaptive swings, and more.
http://aparkabove.org/
2441 Westside Ct SE
Rio Rancho, NM 87124
New York - Casey Park
This all-inclusive and handicap-accessible playground is perfect for children of all ages, but the standout piece of equipment is the Liberty Swing. As one of only 20 in the country, the Liberty Swing enables children to either sit in a chair or push a wheelchair onto the ramp for a safe and fun ride.
https://www.auburnny.gov/
150 N Division St
Auburn, NY 13021
North Carolina - Marla Dorrel Park
You won't miss the dragon climbing structure affectionately called "Katal" at this suburban playground. This two-acre park includes a wheelchair-accessible sand table, a climbing structure with graduated levels of difficulty, accessible chair swings, a fenced-in preschool play zone, and more.
https://www.townofcary.org/
111 Thurston Dr
Cary, NC 27518
North Dakota - Eagles (Universal) Park
The rubberized surface at this park isn't just for better accessibility; the colored safe zones also indicate safe perimeters around certain equipment (like swings). Don't miss the unique seesaw that features four high-backed seats with a platform and handle for children of all abilities. You'll also love the zip-line with disc seats and molded bucket seats, the roller table, sensory wall, sling swings, and much more.
https://mandanparks.com/
100 14th St NE
Mandan, ND 58554
Ohio - Preston's H.O.P.E. Accessible Playground Park
Inspiration for this park came from the family and friends of a little boy named Preston who was born with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). After seven years and raising nearly $3,000,000, the community came together to create this unique playground designed for children of all abilities. The highlight of this park is the Imagination Village, which consists of make-believe houses that are connected by a raised walkway. Other unique features includes the Play Theatre, fire station, and more, all connected by ramps or a rubberized surface.
https://www.prestonshope.com/
26001 S Woodland Rd
Beachwood, OH 44122
Oklahoma - Central Park
This train-themed playground is one of the few in the area to accommodate children of all abilities. Featuring extra-wide wheelchair-accessible ramps and platforms, the park is full of sensory-stimulating activities to encourage inclusive play. Don't miss the SwayFun Glider, a large adaptable rocking "seesaw" as well as adaptive swings designed specifically for those with special needs. The playground incorporates a rubberized surface for easier access to all features.
https://centralpark.cityofmoore.com/playground
Moore, OK 73160
Oregon - Gateway Discovery Park
Opening in the summer of 2018, Gateway Discovery Park features a large, expansive space designed with accessibility in mind. Including ramp-accessed double slides, a smooth entry sand play area, adaptive swing, and more, this park features fun for children of all abilities. There is an accessible splash pad nearby to complement the rolling AstroTurf hills, climbing features, and interactive design.
https://www.portlandoregon.gov/parks/66064
10520 NE Halsey St
Portland, OR 97220
Pennsylvania - Freedom Playground
A fully accessible playground built entirely by volunteers, Freedom Playground features whimsical designs like painted elephants, historic scenes depicting a Roman forum or medieval home, and much more. Design features include a rock and texture wall, musical instruments, and a tree house with rocking deck. Rubberized surfaces and extra-wide ramps encourage inclusive play among children of all abilities.
https://haverfordfreedomplayground.org/
9000 Parkview Dr
Haverford, PA 19041
Rhode Island - imPOSSIBLE DREAM Playground
As Rhode Island's first integrated playground, the imPOSSIBLE DREAM playground incorporates friendly play for children of all abilities. Filled with adaptive swings, slides, fantasy play houses, and more connected by an accessible rubberized surface, this playground also boasts miniature golf as well! Don't miss the activity center and nearby picnic areas.
https://www.impossibledreamplayground.org/
575 Centerville Rd
Warwick, RI 02886
South Carolina - B.K.'s Playground
As the area's first inclusive playground, B.K.'s Playground appeals to children of all abilities. The park features a wheelchair-accessible swing, teeter-totter, and wide ramps to easily reach higher platforms. Don't miss the zip-line which is specially designed for children with limited upper-body mobility. The park also features an adult-sized changing table in a private space within the Pearl Moore Basketball Center, which is available to families.
http://www.cityofflorence.com/
513 Barnes Street
Florence, SC 29501
South Dakota - Legacy Commons
Featuring an inclusive play area and integrated art garden, Legacy Commons also includes 70 images of plants, animals, and fossils hidden throughout the park for added fun. The accessible play area includes a friendly rubberized surface alongside an active play area in a sustainable surface. Surrounded by parks, gardens, a scenic lake, and more, this playground is perfect for children and families of all abilities.
https://downtownrapidcity.com/visit/activities/legacy-commons
600-684 Omaha St
Rapid City, SD 57701
Tennessee - Mary's Magical Place
As a playground for children and parents of all abilities, Mary's Magical Place is the first playground of its kind in Tennessee. Featuring an accessible surface for easy access, the playground includes a roller table and an adaptive teeter-totter and merry-go-round. Wide ramps reach higher platforms equipped with fun and engaging musical and sensory equipment.
https://marysmagicalplace.org/
Scotch St
Hendersonville, TN 37075
Texas - Morgan's Wonderland
Located on the site of an abandoned quarry in northeast San Antonio, Morgan's Wonderland became the world's first theme park designed with people with special needs in mind. Inclusive for all, this theme park includes more than 25 different rides, playgrounds, and other attractions. Don't miss the butterfly playground, Whirling Wonder™ ferris wheel, carousel, Sensory Village™, and much more. Also featuring a diverse array of shows and other entertainment, Morgan's Wonderland promises a full day of fun for the whole family!
https://www.morganswonderland.com/
5223 David Edwards Dr
San Antonio, TX 78233
Utah - Orem City All Together Playground
This all-abilities playground provides inclusive play opportunities for children and parents of all abilities. Featuring a whimsical storybook feel, this playground boasts over 19,000 square feet of magical play houses, a sensory exploration area, wide ramps, and much more. Don't miss the adaptive swings and merry-go-round, all connected by a safe and accessible rubberized play surface.
http://www.alltogetherplayground.com/
200-298 100 N
Orem, UT 84097
Vermont - Oakledge Park
As the first of its kind in Vermont, Oakledge Park incorporates an accessible surface with a natural playscape that features quiet green spaces for those with anxiety challenges, physical and cognitive challenges, and much more. You'll also find intentional color contrasts throughout the park to support those with visual impairment. Equipped with accessible bathrooms, accessible exercise/rehabilitation equipment for adults, ample parking, and more, Oakledge Park supports diverse play among all communities.
https://enjoyburlington.com/oakledge-accessible-playground/
Flynn Ave
Burlington, VT 05401
Virginia - Clemyjontri Park
Thoughtful features like lowered monkey bars, high-back swings, ramps, and more, make Clemyjontri an accessible playground for children and adults of all abilities. Don't miss the recessed carousel at ground level which incorporates a spinning tea cup and 14 prancing steeds to delight children of all ages. Clemyjontri Park's new trackless train incorporates a ramp for easy access and enables visitors to ride around the entire park.
https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/clemyjontri
6317 VA-193 #2
McLean, VA 22101
Washington - Crescent Creek Park
This inclusive playground features a custom fishing vessel play structure with an accessible wheelhouse and a realistic ship's wheel and sandbox. The ship is equipped with ramps, and a wheelchair-friendly surface is found throughout the park for ease of access. Features in the park include sensory stimulating activities and a sea creature scavenger hunt.
http://www.cityofgigharbor.net/179/Crescent-Creek-Park
3303 Vernhardson St
Gig Harbor, WA 98332
West Virginia - Saint Cloud Commons
This all-inclusive playground is also dubbed a "barrier-free" playground, designed to be a playground for children and adults of all abilities. Completely wheelchair-accessible, the park boasts a zip-line rope spinner and much more. Don't miss the "Tree 4 All," a custom tree house composed of fiberglass-reinforced concrete.
https://ghprd.org/index.php/st-cloud-commons-lodge
1701 Jackson Ave
Huntington, WV 25704
Wisconsin - Elver Park
Every element in Elver Park services a purpose. From contrasting colors to help the visually impaired, to stepping stones and alligators to help children who can't climb, the equipment at this park is designed to give everyone an equal opportunity to play. Other features like ramps and an accessible rubberized surface makes it easy for wheelchair users to get involved in the play.
https://www.cityofmadison.com/
1250 McKenna Blvd
Madison, WI 53719
Wyoming - Mentock Park
Enabling children of all abilities to play side-by-side, Mentock Park was a project initiated by the Cody Rotary Club by Ashlee Lundvall, Ms. Wheelchair USA 2013 who became paralyzed in a ranching accident in 1999 at the age of 16. As the state's first inclusive play park, don't miss the accessible AeroGlider teeter-totter, wide ramps, and rubberized surfaces.
https://www.cityofcody-wy.gov/
1001 Blackburn St
Cody, WY 82414
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