Inclusive Play

Zahra Baker Playground

Key Features:

• Accessible Swing Seat
• AeroGlider
• Wheelchair Ramps
• Activo^® Luxo

YMCA Challenger Park

Key Features:

• AeroGlider
• Nuvo^™ Roof
• Nuvo^™ Curvy Climber
• Trippple Racer Slide^™
• Cozy Cocoon
• Triumph^™ Climber

West Fenwick Park

Sycolin Creek Elementary

This elementary school boasts not only the first inclusive playground in their district, but in the county as well!

Key Features:

• AeroGlider
• KPE Rhythm Spinner
• Quattro Seesaw
• LolliTop Roof

Squaw Creek Campground

• PlayWeb^®
• AeroGlider^™
• Triumph^™ Climber

Sophie & Madigan’s Playground

Enchanted Memories

Named after sisters Sophie and Madigan Lillard, this fairytale-themed memorial playground promises a plethora of fun-filled, whimsical adventures. Kids can climb Rapunzel’s tower like dashing heroes, hang out at the Lost Boys Tree House, or explore the magical offerings of Wonderland. Each part of the playground features equipment inspired by moments in the Lillard sisters’ lives, honoring their spirits by cultivating a welcoming environment where kids of all ages and abilities can play together.

Senator Jean Preston Memorial Park

This rural town right off the coast of North Carolina had big plans to build an inclusive playground in the heart of town in memory of a local retired special education teacher, principal, and politician. The community alone contributed nearly $50,000 in donations. Then, Emerald Isle learned that they were one of 30 locations in eastern North Carolina chosen to receive a Play Together Accessible Playground grant from Trillium Health Resources. With the added $225,000, in just under two months, they transformed an empty lot by the local docks into a completely inclusive and sensory-rich destination playground.

All of the “coolest” playground equipment is fully accessible and promotes cooperation between kids of all abilities. The Cruise Line^™, AeroGlider^™, and Unity^® RockR all encourage parents, siblings, or fellow playmates to join in on the action together, providing enough space so that any child can transfer on and take a ride.

Another key inclusive feature is the double-wide ramps of the main play structure, which enable a better traffic flow for kids with and without mobility devices. A variety of panels along the way provide cognitive and sensory stimulation for everyone. Several other smaller freestanding products around the playground, such as Cozy Cocoon^™, Spin Cup, and Moon Rock Climber, provide comfy spots and vestibular stimulation away from the main action. And of course, no inclusive playground is complete without poured-in-place safety surfacing, which allows children, parents, and grandparents alike to access the play area with ease.

Not only was this play space designed with inclusion in mind, but with a local flair as well. A vibrant purple and gold color scheme displays their pride for East Carolina University, while high views and telescopes bring the focus back to the beautiful coastline.

Now Emerald Isle is beaming with pride over this unifying play space, as it brings families and kids together to play side by side and leave differences behind.

Inclusive features:

• Cozy Cocoon^™
• AeroGlider^™
• Cruise Line^™
• Unity^® RockR
• Accessible Swing Seats
• Spin Cup
• Moon Rock Climber
• Music panels
• Double-wide ramps
• Unitary surfacing

Owen’s Place

Helping to bring the landscape architecture community’s innovative visions to reality are some of our proudest achievements at Playworld. One such example is this truly unique Shadow Garden experience envisioned by Jim Dziatkowicz, RLA, ASLA at EMH&T.

One Loudon Plaza

Key Features:

• Neos 360^®
• Neos^® Ring

Harmony Playground

The new, inclusive playground at Memorial Park in Mount Vernon began with a single piece of equipment—Crossfit 1808 raised money to donate a piece of inclusive play equipment to the Knox County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Inspired by the gift, the board began discussing the possibility of transforming the playground at Memorial Park into a fully inclusive play space.

Members of the Board met with Playworld representative Midstates Recreation. Together, they crafted a vision of a new playground, one that could be enjoyed by all children and caregivers. Armed with a dream and a financial goal, the Board began a grassroots fundraising effort that enlisted the support of local businesses and organizations, as well as members of the community. Support for the new playground was overwhelming, and the space was named Harmony Playground.

Harmony Playground features bright colors and a variety of equipment, including an Accessible Whirl, Drop Zone, and AeroGlider^™. A central T-Rex climber serves as the playground’s focal point, and inclusive surfacing ensures that everyone can access the fun.

A ribbon-cutting was held in April and, despite rain, over 150 community members showed up to celebrate the new play space. Steve Oster, Superintendent of the Knox County Board of Developmental Disabilities, said the playground is a win for everybody.

“It’s wonderful to see the kids’ faces. They can play in the same space and help each other.”

“People come from neighboring counties, which brings business to the community. We donated the playground to the City after it was completed, and the Mayor said it was the best gift he’s ever gotten.”

East Riverfront Park

The City of South Jordan has always tried to include activities for a wide variety of people at East Riverfront Park—but they wanted to do more, so they decided to replace their current playground with an all-inclusive play space that people of all abilities could come to and enjoy the outdoors.

The community came together to fund the new playground. It was a team effort that included the City of South Jordan, Salt Lake County, the South Jordan Rotary Club, the George S. and Dolores Dore Eccles Foundation, Rocky Mountain Power Foundation, and the Michel Foundation.

Playworld representative Big T Recreation worked with the City to build a playground with a theme that fits the natural park around it. This playground is complete with Sculpted Play Elements, a Cozy Cocoon, and an AeroGlider^™. Here you’ll find sensory, physical, and social activities for kids of all abilities. One of the favorite activities is the Vibes from our Concerto line which can be heard throughout the park.

While the nature theme encourages the imagination, it’s the all-inclusive activities that accomplished this community’s ultimate goal.

Countryside Park

Key Features:

• NEOS^® 360 Accessible
• AeroGlider^™
• Hat Shade
• Slides

Augusta Evans Elementary

For Augusta Evans School in Mobile, Alabama, the new school building was a welcome update. But with limited budget, the project did not include a playground. Teachers and administrators knew they had to fill the gap.

Augusta Evans School is specialized—serving only kids with cognitive and physical disabilities. Children with special needs are more prone to obesity and diabetes. And children with ADHD and/or autism need outlets for excess energy. The benefits of play were not optional here.

So, fundraising began. Volunteers hosted golf outings, sold bricks, and reconditioned Mardi Gras beads for resale. Principal Allen Baggett launched a speaking tour of local organizations, barbecues, biker clubs—anywhere people were standing still. And people responded, including a major donation from the Rotary Club of Mobile.

Then came the next challenge: finding the right partner to build a playground for kids with special needs.

Principal Baggett researched all the options locally, regionally, and nationally. He talked to lots of people. Then he chose Playworld. “I needed someone who specialized in play,” he says. “This playground
needed to be great.”

Baggett worked with Warren Schlender, Playworld rep in Marietta, Georgia. “Warren came to see the school and meet the kids,” Bagget says. “He got a sense for what we needed, and gave us ideas, options, and a plan.”

The result is lots of fun and exercise for the kids, and lots of specialized features to accommodate diverse abilities. In fact, the playground is A–rated for inclusivity, thanks to a full range of activities, challenge levels, cozy spaces (for sensory relief), transfer stations, and wheelchair access.

Principal Baggett highlights other features, too, including the surface material. “A lot of our kids have challenges with getting around. Between that and potential falls, I like knowing our kids are safe.”

The NEOS^® 360°—an electronic challenge game with lights and touch pads—is a center of attention, prompting lots of friendly competition. “It wears them out,” Baggett says. “It wears me out!”

The playground gets rave reviews from students and teachers alike. It’s helped everyone make the emotional transition to the new school, and it helps the kids focus in class—so they can get back outside for more recess.

It took a lot of hard work to bring the power of play to the Augusta Evans kids. But considering the physical, emotional, and social benefits, we’d say it was well worth the effort.

Key Features:

• NEOS^® 360 Accessible
• RockBlocks^®
• Accessible Swing Seat
• Cozy Cocoon