World’s Largest Inclusive Playground: Park Circle, North Charleston, NC.

November 11. 2023 heralded the opening of the country’s largest inclusive playground in Park Circle, North Charleston, NC. The completely revamped Park Circle is part of a $20 million project that has revitalized Park Circle.

A playground offers children a sense of liberation, serving as a space where they can conquer fears by descending the tallest slide, socialize with friends atop the jungle gym, and reach new heights on swings. However, for children with disabilities, playgrounds can become isolating and frustrating.

Mayor Keith Summey of North Charleston emphasizes the importance of fostering appreciation and dignity for everyone in their community. The goal is not to segregate accessible equipment but to enable all children to play together, promoting inclusivity.

Watch “The Power of Inclusion”:

The expansive playground, a part of the $20 million Park Circle renovation project, features approximately 125 pieces of equipment. This initiative includes an inclusive baseball field, a farmers market pavilion, a community building, and green space, all centralized in a large roundabout.

Incorporating both ordinary swings and accessible swings with plastic seats and sturdy harnesses, the playground considers the needs of children with diverse abilities. Stainless steel slides are included for those with cochlear implants, addressing concerns about static disruption. To combat the intense summer heat, nearly 85 percent of the playground is shaded, providing relief for parents and individuals with autism who struggle with temperature regulation. Additionally, water misters offer extra cooling.

The playground is designed to accommodate children in wheelchairs with "transfer stations" that allow caretakers to assist them in navigating platforms and slides. Double-sized sidewalks and ramps facilitate social interaction between individuals with and without disabilities. A wheelchair charging station is conveniently located next to games for children to enjoy while waiting.

Specific elements cater to children with different disabilities, such as activities for those with visual impairments and igloo-style domes for those experiencing sensory overload.

While traditional activities like towers, spiral slides, and challenging ropes courses are available, there's also a "Ninja Warrior" style obstacle course for older children and adults. Exercise stations enable parents to work out while supervising their children's play.

Watch “The making of the world’s largest playground”:

The key to inclusivity, according to TJ Rostin, the city’s recreation director, lies in the rubber surfacing. This pour-in-place surface allows easy movement for individuals using wheelchairs, walking devices, or simply walking in tennis shoes, offering a more accessible alternative to wood chips or sand.

Rostin said the one element that makes the Park Circle playground inclusive is the rubber surfacing.  “The biggest thing about the pour-in-place surface is that it allows folks to easily move around the surface whether you’re in a wheelchair, a walking device, or just walking around in tennis shoes,” Rostin said. This material better accommodates wheelchairs compared to wood chips or sand, making it easier for children to access the playground, and for parents or caretakers who use walking devices.

Watch “Everything about this place is amazing!”

The fully accessible ballfield, equipped with artificial turf, accommodates children of all abilities and supports traditional ball games, including kickball and wheelchair events. The Park Circle renovation project also includes a new community center with expanded facilities for events, theater, and art programs.

Ryan Johnson from the mayor’s office envisions Park Circle as a transformative asset for the city, attracting attention from across the country. The 55,000-square-foot playground is intentionally designed to be inclusive, providing a space where children with various abilities, including Down syndrome, autism, and mobility difficulties, can play together.

The $20 million project was funded through a tax increment financing district earmarked for public projects like Park Circle, ensuring it does not impact the general fund. The grand opening event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a festive celebration with food trucks and face painting, marking the beginning of a new era for inclusive play in North Charleston.