Secor Metropark near Toledo, OH is the site of an inclusive playground to capture children’s imagination and engage them with a lifelong appreciation for nature and parks.
Metroparks Toledo recognized a gap in inventory of inclusive playgrounds around the county, and that a barrier-free playground was needed. According to Joe Fausnaugh, Chief of Operations, playgrounds are often children’s first introduction to parks. All children need outdoor play, so by removing barriers to play, children of all abilities can enjoy the park together.
“Our goal for this site is to have a playground where any child in our community can come and enjoy without worrying about any limitations or whether they belong,” said Fausnaugh. “This is a playground everyone can enjoy.”
Along with the new playground, phase two renovations to the park include a new shelter and restroom facility near the new playground for family picnics, birthday parties and other gatherings.
The playground’s design is focused around the 7 Principles of Inclusive Playground Design®, as outlined in the program of the same name, developed in partnership with PlayCore's Center for Outreach, Research, and Education (CORE) and Utah State University’s Center for Persons with Disabilities. The program provides an overview of why inclusion is so important, helpful research to help stakeholders understand diversity, inclusion, and social equity, and tips for designing inclusive play environments that benefit the whole child, whole environment, and whole community.®
To continue to celebrate Metroparks Toledo’s commitment to advancing play and recreation through best practices, Secor Metropark will receive a certificate of recognition, become a part of a network of potential research sites, and will be promoted actively to other communities wishing to create recreation spaces using design and/or programming.
