Leo’s Landing: the importance of INCLUSIVE playgrounds

You learn so many life lessons on the playground. Even as an adult, I still remember those carefree youthful days. Since my condition didn’t affect me until later, as a child I didn’t have a disability. However, recently I visited “Leo’s Landing” in Saluda Shoals Park which is an amazing, inclusive play ground

When I first heard about inclusive playgrounds, my first thought was “this is such a great thing for kids with disabilities!” And don’t get me wrong, it is. There are plenty of medical studies about the positive effects of play time for kids. More than though, it’s also key for kids without disabilities to play with those with disabilities. It enforces empathy and normalizes different ability levels at a young age

 

“Leo’s Landing” in Saluda Shoals Park is located in Columbia, South Carolina and opened to the public in August 2019. This inclusive play ground features a swing area, sound garden, treehouse village, and more. If you are in wheelchair, one of the swings is a platform swing. Likewise, there is an accessible glider shaped like a riverboat for you to wheel right in. I watched as kids and their parents of ALL abilities played together

What’s the difference between accessible and inclusive? The Americans with Disabilities Act has provided a great step towards making things more accessible but inclusion takes it a step further. Now, it’s up to us to include people with disabilities in meaningful ways. Let’s begin with the playground!

Do you have an inclusive park near you? Let me know where. I need inspiration for more additional inclusive parks!

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katies