By Nick Reiher

As most adults at Inwood Park shivered on a clear but chilly morning, kids of all ages enjoyed a new playground designed to entertain all, regardless of ability.

The Joliet Park District’s Inwood Park was designated a PlayCore/GameTime National Demonstration Site for Inclusive Play and PlayOn!, and that chilly Friday morning was the setting for the dedication of the unique playground, one they hope will spur other districts to emulate.

“This is the largest inclusive playground in the state,” said Bill Tatroe, vice president of the Joliet Park District Board. “I can’t wait to see the playground full of smiling faces.”

The smiling faces waited just a little longer as state Sen. Meg Loughran Cappel noted the good works that can be achieved when partners come together to help people with disabilities enjoy recreational activities alongside others.

State Rep. Natalie Manley said the challenges her autistic grandson has faced helped spur her to advocate for special education and recreation services statewide, including founding the Illinois State Neurodiversity Caucus.

“We are very fortunate to have this in our community,” she said of the multi-faceted playground, designed by Cunningham Recreation using research-based best practices for inclusive playground activities for all ages and ability levels.

At the heart of the large, rectangular play space is an accessible, ramped GameTime play structure featuring multiple slides, varied climbers — including a naturalistic rockscape — and integrated shade to support comfort and usability throughout the day.

The design ensures that children with mobility devices can access elevated play experiences alongside their peers.

The playground also incorporates a rich collection of sensory-friendly features, including:

• A cozy climber designed for retreat and self-regulation
• Outdoor musical instruments that encourage creative expression
• A ShadowPlay™ TriRunner that blends movement with visual stimulation

The Special Recreation adults enjoyed sitting on the slow, spinning ride. An aide jumped in just as he was ready to slide off, cushioned by the soft, green artificial turf.

To support a wide range of motion and developmental needs, the play area includes traditional swings, adaptive swing seats and the popular Expression Swing®, which allows adults and children to swing face-to-face..

Nora Hill, 2, sprinted laughing toward the swings, with her Mom, Lauren of Joliet a few strides behind. Picking the proper chair, Nora got a lift from her Mom, and then some fun pushes from the front, eliciting squeals from the tot.

We won’t tell anyone Mom accidentally got a foot to the face when she mistimed the swing. What parent hasn’t been there?

Additional elements such as a balance beam, imaginative play house, and turf safety surfacing round out the space, ensuring a safe, engaging, and developmentally supportive environment.

The playground was thoughtfully , ensuring that every element supports meaningful play, social connection, and physical activity. The layout encourages children and families to move more, play longer, and engage in healthy, active lifestyles together.

This national designation as a PlayCore/GameTime National Demonstration Site for Inclusive Play and PlayOn!, highlights Inwood Park as a model for communities seeking to expand equitable access to play, Park District officials said.

Park Board President Sue Gulas couldn’t attend the ceremony, but later shared her thoughts with Farmers Weekly Review.

“I’m incredibly proud of our new inclusive playground and what it represents. This project would not have been possible without the dedication of our staff and the support of businesses, organizations and state legislators, Meg Loughran Cappel and Natalie Manley.

“Together, we’ve created a space where every child and family feels welcome.”

Park District Executive Director Brad Staub held a roll of blue ribbon with enough overall length to allow the various partners to cut a section for the cameras, including the Park District Board and staff, the staff and members of the Special Recreation District of Joliet and Channahon, and state and local officials.

Park District officials tried a coax a woman who sat yards away from the fray in her wheelchair, bundled against the early morning chill.

They wanted to acknowledge Pam Heavens, a longtime ardent advocate for people with disabilities, who may have wondered how far the movement has come. Now, Inwood Park can be a catalyst for future growth in serving those with disabilities, and allowing others to play alongside.

Heavens later said she was thrilled with the inclusive playground.

As a National Demonstration Site, Park District officials say Inwood Park will serve as a resource for other communities, educators, and recreation professionals seeking to learn from its design and programming. The site will also be featured in PlayCore’s national registry of exemplary play environments.

Phase I of the project was completed as part of the 2025 Healthy Play Initiative, a collaborative effort between the Illinois Park & Recreation Association (IPRA), GameTime and Cunningham Recreation.
Park District officials say the playground was funded through the district, the Special Recreation District and state funding with the help of Manley and Cappel.

Further enhancements to the park include the addition of a new ADA-accessible washroom.

Nora Hill, 2, giggles as Mom, Lauren, of Joliet sets the swing in motion.

Special Recreation participants share a laugh as they take a spin around the new playground equipment, with cushy artificial turf underneath for safety.

As children play on the swings in the background, this group enjoys the adaptive version of a teeter-totter.