Parks for All!
S
pring is here, and that means it’s a great day to visit the park! We’re fortunate our city is home to many
wonderful parks that are inclusive and accessible for all children. While many parks offer accessible parking and sidewalks, often the playground equipment lacks accessibility. The parks on this list feature equipment that’s inclusive for all children to enjoy. Each of these parks features smooth surfaces, accessible parking and restrooms and fun features to enjoy:
Midtown and Downtown VARIETY KC EXPLORATION PLAY: 6800 Zoo Dr., Kansas City, MO. The Kansas City Zoo holds the honor of being the first zoo to provide an inclusive playground. Located in the Africa section of the zoo, the playground includes a zip line with a companion harness, an accessible swing and smooth surfacing. There is also a quiet zone area where you can check out weighted blankets and noise-canceling headphones. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR., SQUARE PARK: Swope Parkway & Woodland Avenue, Kansas City, MO. The area is packed with colorful components, including three towers, swings, climbing nets, suspended walkway, jumping pods, spinners, embankment mound, climbing area, merry-go-round and a section with age-appropriate play equipment. SYBIL SILKWOOD NUTTER INCLUSIVE PLAYGROUND: Gillham Road & E. 22nd Street, Kansas City, MO. Located in Hospital Hill Park at Children’s Mercy, this playground contains plenty of space for children with wheelchairs or IV poles to access the equipment. Its soft foam floor is easy to traverse, and its fence prevents small children from wandering off. A communication board for nonverbal children provides an inclusive atmosphere for all. SHEILA KEMPER DIETRICH PARK: E. 27th Street & Gillham Road, Kansas City, MO. This 60-year-old park near Crown Center is beloved for its sea dragon and pirate ship theme. This park has been upgraded to feature concrete sidewalks and ramps for wheelchairs and new equipment.
Johnson County SHAWNEE MISSION PARK PLAYGROUND: 7900 Renner Rd., Shawnee. This playground’s star features are its musical toys, colorful pathway and accessible swings and metal slides. In addition to containing wheelchair-friendly ramps and surfaces, the park is fenced, has accessible bathrooms and includes a water mister. COLLEGE BOULEVARD ACTIVITY CENTER PLAYGROUND: 11031 S. Valley Pkwy., Olathe. This Variety KC playground, adjacent to the accessible ball fields for the Miracle League, a sports league where children of all abilities play baseball, is a fun and inclusive place to play. With ramps, smooth surfaces and equipment that can be enjoyed by children in wheelchairs, this park is a treasure in Johnson County.
Sybil Silwood Nutter Inclusive Playground
STILWELL COMMUNITY PARK: 6402 W. 207th St., Stillwell, KS. The grounds at this park provide easy access to adaptive swings, a sensory area and a water mister. OVERLAND PARK JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER PLAYGROUND: 5801 W. 115th St., Leawood. To respect those in wheelchairs, this playground offers smooth surfaces and low platforms as transfer stations so those using wheelchairs can lift themselves onto playground equipment. A unique feature is the Braille panels and other play panels with interesting textures or fragrances. The playground is enclosed with a fence. LEAWOOD CITY PARK: 10601 Lee Blvd., Leawood. Variety KC opened the newest inclusive playground in the metro at Leawood City Park. Royals Charities and Variety of Greater Kansas City joined to unveil a new adaptive playground at Leawood City Park. The all-inclusive playground has been designed so both children and adults can play together regardless of their physical or mental abilities.
Northland
Tiffany Hills Park
52 april 2022
kcparent.com
TIFFANY HILLS PARK: 9400 N. Congress Ave., Kansas City, MO. This pirate-themed playground is designed to meet the needs of all children. The playground includes ramps to access the equipment, metal slides for children with cochlear implants, accessible swings, sensory panels for touch and sound, as well as fencing to keep the children safe.
