A Day at the Park

As spring approaches I am reminded of how much fun going to the park was when I was a child. I made many wonderful memories there including:

•   Friends – old and new
•   The creative ways we tried to go down the slide
•   Hanging from the monkey bars
•   Spinning on the merry-go-round until we were dizzy
•   Swinging with abandonment
•   Swimming & playing Marco Polo
•   Feeding the ducks
•   Fishing

As a mom, I wanted my daughter to have these same opportunities. But I also knew this would take research. My daughter has physical disabilities so I needed to find a park that would accommodate her needs.

The good news is it didn’t take long and I didn’t have to look far. I found several parks that offer accommodations in the Dallas/Fort Worth (D/FW) area.

I made a plan and off we went with our snacks, drinks, outdoor toys, and much excitement. When we got to the park I was thrilled to see all of the accessible features. The park was designed so children with and without a disability could play together. Inclusion for the win!

The play structures here are on a flat spongy/soft surface. Ramps lead the way to enter each play structure. And some play structures are lowered. I have come to learn that these are some of the most common features of an accessible playground.

Some unique features of accessible playgrounds include but are not limited to wheelchair accessible swings, plastic bongo drums, interactive learning panels. Some parks also have a “sprayground.” This is a perfect way to keep cool in the Texas heat.

If you live in the D/FW metroplex and are looking for an accessible park or playground, check out the parks listed below. I hope you and your family enjoy them as much as we have.

Collin County

• Hope Park – Frisco
• kidMania at Celebration Park – Allen

Dallas County

• Cottonwood Creek Park – Irving Texas

Tarrant County

• Casey’s Clubhouse at Dove Park – Grapevine
• Katherine Rose Memorial Park – Mansfield
• Ann Eismann Inclusive Playground – Richardson
• Dream Park – Ft. Worth

Efforts to build additional accessible playgrounds are in progress. If you would like to support these efforts, please find ways to get involved. You will be met with welcoming arms.

Search Services, Groups, and Events for accessible parks in your area and go have some fun!