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Kansas City's Best Inclusive Parks and Playgrounds

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Kansas City’s local parks and rec departments have been working in recent years to respond to the community’s needs by installing new playground equipment that is inclusive and accessible for all children. While many parks are accessible to children with special needs in terms of parking and sidewalks, often the playground equipment is not. The parks on this list feature equipment that is inclusive for all children to enjoy. Each of these parks features smooth surfaces, accessible parking and restrooms and fun features to enjoy:

McCoy Park: 800 N. Bess Truman Pkwy., Independence, MO. This pioneer-themed inclusive park offers a playground accessible to children and caregivers of all abilities. The playground features ramps on the equipment, adaptive swings, as well as toddler and saucer swings, and stainless steel slides and roller slides to enable children with cochlear implants to enjoy. The sensory rich environment also incorporates musical elements, such as tuned drums and aluminum chimes, and interactive panels to spark problem-solving and teamwork. In addition, the playground is fenced—a favorite feature for parents of little ones.

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.

Legacy Park: 1201 NE Legacy Park Dr., Lee’s Summit, MO. The LSPR accessible playground is located at Legacy Park Shelter 3. The playground includes ramps, accessible swings, smooth surfaces and accessible parking.

College Boulevard Activity Center Playground: 11031 S. Valley Pkwy., Olathe, KS. 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.

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.

Memorial Park: 998 Commercial St., Belton, MO. This inclusive playground is enjoyed by children of all abilities. The playground offers ramps to the equipment.

Overland Park Jewish Community Center Playground: 5801 W. 115th St., Leawood, KS. 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.

OPENED June 20, 2017! Leawood City Park: 10601 Lee Blvd., Leawood, KS. 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 this morning. The all-inclusive playground has been designed so both children & adults can play together regardless of their physical or mental abilities.

 

BONUS! Indoor Facility:

We Rock the Spectrum: 7601 NW Roanridge Rd., Kansas City, MO. 816.844.9580 www.werockthespectrumkansascity.com 

The Gym Includes:

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