St. Louis Children’s Hospital

All-Inclusive Playground bridges the gap for children with disabilities

ST. LOUIS, September 22, 2005 – According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 13 percent of children between the ages of 6 and 14 live with some sort of disability. For them, it is often difficult or impossible to enjoy a traditional playground. Inclusive play brings children of all abilities together, fostering acceptance and friendships. Locally, the Special School District of St. Louis serves nearly 9,200 children with special needs.

St. Louis Children’s Hospital and the St. Louis County Parks department have teamed up with a number of donors and vendors to build the largest all-inclusive playground in the heart of the St. Louis area. A special ceremony marked the groundbreaking on Thursday, September 22nd at Tilles Park in St. Louis County. The $750,000 all-inclusive playground is expected to stretch over more than one acre of the park.

“Play is a child’s work, and an important part of every child’s development,” says Dr. Steve Plax, a local pediatrician involved in building awareness for the project. “Playgrounds provide the opportunity for kids to challenge themselves physically and to learn to communicate, share and build relationships. Children of all abilities should have the opportunity to join the fun.”

The inclusive playground will include elements such as transfer stations and ramps, wider paths, stable surfaces, ample space around equipment, swings to accommodate wheelchairs, and sensory and musical play.

With input from therapists and other health-care professionals at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, designers at SWT Associates carefully planned every detail of the all-inclusive playground.

The layout features a colorful “village”-like theme that inspires children of all ages to explore and discover. Kids can enjoy the elevated Spray Plaza (four feet above the playground) and a “Challenge Walk” that encircles the entire playground. The Play Structures provide a ramping system from one tier to the next, allowing all visitors to experience the same adventures. The Sand Play area provides table-like objects at a variety of heights to accommodate each individual’s challenges. In the center of the park, a large pavilion provides a covered shelter with amenities including restrooms and picnicking opportunities. Open lawn areas around the pavilion will provide additional space for family gatherings.

Construction of the all-inclusive playground is expected be completed by summer 2006. “It’s more than simply ‘accessible,’” says Dr. Plax, “We’re happy to be part of the extraordinary partnership and generosity that will enable children and parents of all abilities to play together here in St. Louis.”

The St. Louis Children’s Hospital All-Inclusive Playground was made possible through generous donations from several groups and individuals including the Kohl’s Cares for Kids Program. Alberici is providing its general contracting services. Additional individual donors include Mary Ann Lee, Jack C. Taylor, Jo Ann Taylor Kindle and the Crawford Taylor Foundation who have provided tremendous support for the project.