“Free To Be Me” Inclusive Playground Project

The Bartlett Park District has over 40 parks with playgrounds, fields, open space, and other unique features. However not one of these created the nurturing environment that focused on serving all abilities in a way to promote an inclusive play experience. On Friday, February 28th, 2014 the Bartlett Parks Foundation unveiled plans to build an inclusive playground that would be accessible to all abilities and bridge the gap in play. They say “it takes a village to raise a child” and we know “it will take a community to build this project”. This nature themed playground will be built in Bartlett Park to replace the current 21 year old playground structure. The playground will include features that spark the elements of play for all. The structures will feature an accessible route via wheelchair or other assistive device to provide access to the components including a treehouse play structure, dragon fly teeter-totter, cattail spinner balance stick, bumble bee rider, cozy cocoon hanging swing, sensory panels, sound towers with nature sounds, and a surrounding landscaping plan with different textures, colors, and smells.