All abilities playground in Agoura Hills

Green Space, Park Access, and Trees

San Fernando Valley

Pilot or new project, program, or initiative

I am here to represent an underserved population of our society that typically doesn't have a voice. People with disabilities feel like outsiders even within their own communities. Often times, people with disabilities don't feel like they belong in typical social settings. The Morrison Park Playground project is so much more than just a play space. This playground represents a place where special needs kids can thrive in a judgement free environment. This public community gathering place is designed for everyone and will provide a safe space for families with disabled children.

Most playgrounds are not suitable for children with disabilities. There are no playgrounds in Agoura Hills or Westlake Village, Ca, which includes schools and parks, that are accessible for disabled children. The Rotary Club of Westlake Village partnered with the city of Agoura Hills (signed MOU) to create this new inclusive play space with the highest ADA standards applied. This playground has been designed with special needs children in mind. First step is to remove the existing wood chips and old play equipment. New state of the art equipment will be installed in addition to poured in place rubber flooring surface. This stable flooring surface is 100% accessible for people of all abilities. Children in wheelchairs and others with mobility challenges will have a play space where they can play and interact with their peers. All children deserve the opportunity to play. Living with a disability at any age is a daily struggle. Our goal is to remove the barriers and create a special place for all families, a judgement free zone where everyone is accepted. This new playground will positively impact thousands of families for years to come.

There are thousands of disabled children within a 20 mile radius from our playground site. This new inclusive play space will become a special meeting place for these families. This playground will allow special needs and typical children the opportunity to grow and develop. There are numerous benefits of an inclusive playground including encouraging friendships between different groups of children, promoting awareness and acceptance of diversity, supporting cognitive, emotional, physical and social development. This playground provides opportunities for everyone to practice a range of skills and encourage active, independent and meaningful play for all. The play that happens on a playground is transformative for both the brain and the body teaching us how to interact with one another, how our bodies move and figuring out how to master new skills. This playground will promote kindness and camaraderie, something our society needs now more than ever.

There are many inclusive playgrounds throughout Los Angeles however they are not the norm in most communities. Research shows that inclusive play stimulates growth and development in children of all ages. We define and measure success by creating more inclusive play spaces in our community. Every child deserves the opportunity to play regardless of their ability. If you build it, they will come...