Play is an essential part of childhood development. It allows children to develop creativity, confidence, courage in trying new things, and teaches them how to share and engage with others. Most importantly, it brings them joy.
Every child should feel welcome on a playground, but most often, playgrounds are filled with obstacles that make it hard for children with special needs to fully engage and play alongside other children. These playgrounds are changing that. They are making a way for everyone to freely play and be adventurous, regardless of ability.
We’re excited that more cities have decided to upgrade their parks to include playgrounds that are accessible for all kids.
Here’s a list of playgrounds in Western Washington, and a couple to watch for as they’ll be coming soon that are built to include kids of all abilities.
Boundless Playground at Sehmel Homestead Park
10123 78th Ave NW | Gig Harbor, WA 98332
Discovery Playground and Sensory Garden at Les Gove Park
910 9th St SE | Auburn, WA 98002
Evergreen Rotary Park
1500 Park Ave | Bremerton, WA 98337
Family FunLand at Steel Lake Park
2410 S 312th St | Federal Way, WA 98003
Hawthorne Elementary School
100 39th Ave S | Seattle, WA 98118
Inspiration Playground at Bellevue Downtown Park
10201 NE 4th St |Bellevue, WA 98004
Maritime PlayZone at Crescent Creek Park
3303 Vernhardon St | Gig Harbor, WA 98332
Miner’s Corner
22903 45th Ave SE | Bothell, WA 98021
Meadow Crest Park
3000 NE 16th St | Renton, WA 98056
Owen’s Playground at Rotary Park
969 Weaver Road | Bainbridge Is, WA, 98110
PlayGarden at Seattle Children’s (open play times vary)
1745 24th Avenue South | Seattle, WA 98144
Savannah’s Place at Bradley Lake Park
531 31st Avenue SE | Puyallup, WA 98374
SERA Campus
6002 S Adams St | Tacoma, WA 98409
COMING SOON:
Ballinger Park
23000 Lakeview Dr | Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043
For more information click here.
Seaview Park
8030 185th St SW | Edmonds, WA 98026
For more information click here.
Are you interested in learning more or are you wanting to bring a playground like this to your neighborhood? Here are some helpful links to get you started:
- The Importance of Inclusive Play for All Children by We Build Fun
- Inclusive Play Design: Why, How, and Who by Child in the City
- Five Ways to Build an Inclusive Playground No Matter Your Space or Budget by GameTime
- Getting Started Advocating for Inclusion in Your Community by PlayCore
- How To Bring An All Inclusive Playground To Your Community by Ashlee Lundvall
I’m Hannah — a Seattle native and a mom to three spirited daughters. I love a good oat milk latte from Caffe Ladro, learning to skateboard with my 6-year-old, and exploring new parks with my best friend and partner, Matt. I’ve walked through hard seasons of divorce, single-parenting, and mental illness (in my kids and myself), but in the last couple years I’ve been redefining what it means for me to be a mom in my 30’s and how to find joy right here. (Hello, skateboard lessons and adult art class!) I didn’t expect much of anything about my life as it is now, but I’m learning to savor each moment. There is so much joy to be found here.
