JILL SNYDER
Visitor Engagement Manager
Metro Parks is thrilled to announce the upcoming dedication of a fabulously innovative inclusive playground designed to provide an accessible, welcoming and fun experience for individuals of all abilities. This innovative playground, set to open at Blendon Woods Metro Park on April 10 at 10am, will offer a variety of play equipment for children and families, including those who use mobility devices or need other special accommodations.
Unlike many traditional playgrounds, with limited wheelchair-accessible features, this new space at Blendon Woods offers a wide range of equipment that caters to all ages and abilities. The fully fenced playground ensures safety, making it easier for parents of children who might wander to relax and enjoy the environment. Communication boards throughout the playground help children express their needs, and ramps allow easy access to the play structures, so everyone can join in on the fun.
In addition to traditional playground elements, the space includes a sensory area and numerous musical instruments, such as musical steps, where children can interact and make music while walking along. Metro Parks has also incorporated accessible picnic tables and shade structures so families can enjoy longer visits while staying comfortable. The restroom facilities feature a universal changing table and hoist, making it easier for caregivers to provide necessary support.
The inclusive playground will be open to the public outside of reserved hours. Families and special needs groups can reserve the space from Tuesday to Friday, 8am to 4pm and Saturday, 8am-Noon. Metro Parks also plans to host various events on Saturdays for participants with disabilities.
Tim Moloney, Executive Director of Metro Parks, shared his excitement for the new addition: “Metro Parks is dedicated to providing places to play for people of all ages and abilities, and we hope this playground will be a place for growth and development, as well as tons of fun! This is a space where nature and play unite, inviting everyone to connect, explore and grow together.”
The inclusive playground was developed in close collaboration with families, caregivers and advocates to ensure it meets the diverse needs of the community. Jessica Bennett of Jeremiah’s Corner, who spoke at the Metro Parks Board of Commissioners meeting in February 2024, played a key role in advocating for this project. “I was incredibly fortunate that Metro Parks listened to my voice and saw the importance of building this inclusive playground. This playground isn’t just a space to play—it’s a symbol of hope. Hope for my family, hope for the families I serve through my company, and hope for the entire community. Thank you, Metro Parks!” she said.
In reflecting on the significance of the new playground, one parent shared, “Play doesn’t have an age limit nor is it one size fits all. Everyone, regardless of ability, deserves the chance to play. When parks are truly accessible, children like my son don’t just have a space to play; they feel included, valued, and part of the community.”
The project was also met with overwhelming support from the community. This past fall groups from Bridgeway Academy, Adult Day Services, Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Columbus City Schools, and families with children with intellectual developmental disabilities were invited to try out the playground and provide guidance for improvement. Feedback from those who participated this past fall speaks to the positive impact the playground will have. Some of the heartfelt responses include:
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- “There are no words for how amazing this space is for families with children of special needs. Loved it for all.”
- “This is an incredibly well thought out playground. I loved that even benches had activities on them. It was amazing.”
- “Amazing space, and everyone loved it! Thanks.”
- “Amazing! Thank you for creating this inclusive play area.”
- “The park was great ❤️.”
- “Impressed! It was a wow factor for sure.”
- “It was truly the most beautiful playground I have seen. My favorite components were the large space, music components, opportunities for interaction with children who don’t use their voice to communicate, the zipline, and the double entry (in the case of children who elope).”
- “Play looks different for everyone, and Metro Parks did a great job capturing this.”
This project, which cost $1.5 million, includes the creation of the playground, renovations to the restroom facilities, and the installation of the play structures. Special thanks to a $20,000 grant from the Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities, which assisted with restroom renovations. Metro Parks is excited to open the new space to the public and looks forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on families and individuals across the region.
Join us at Blendon Woods Metro Park on April 10 at 10am for the dedication ceremony and the chance to experience the new playground. For more information, visit www.metroparks.net.
MORE PHOTOS OF THE INTERACTIVE PLAYGROUND
This is great! Makes me want to be a kid again 🙂
This looks great. When are reliable open access times, Saturday afternoons? It is an effort to gather and come so we want to do so when we know our grandchildren can experience this.
Thanks,
Hi Carolyn, Yes, the Inclusive Playground is open for public use on Saturday after 12pm, Sunday and Monday all day and Tuesday-Friday after 4pm.
The fence all around is awesome!
Where is this located within Blendon Woods park?
The Inclusive Playground is in the area previously known as Hickory Grove. The location of the Inclusive Playground is marked on the park map on the website. Here is a direct link to it:
https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/BLN_map_Inclusive-Playground-and-Butterfly-Trail_1980px.png
Is there a way to check if the playground has been reserved? If planning to visit on a random Wednesday morning, for example, would want to confirm it’s open to all before driving there! Thanks!
The playground is open to the public all day Sunday and Monday, after 4pm Tuesday through Friday and after 12pm on Saturday. We would not recommend planning to come outside of these hours if you do not have it reserved.
A playground doesn’t feel very accessible if I have to jump through extra steps to take my disabled child to play on a Saturday morning. I shouldn’t have to reserve a time. Not to mention where to reserve a time isn’t clearly stated and I have yet to find where to do so. I should be able to take my disabled child to the park that accommodates him at anytime that is convenient to our family. Honestly this is disappointing.
Thank you for reaching out. One of our main goals with this playground is to give a space to children and adults with different physical and developmental abilities to have a space that they can be accommodated and safe. These communities are not always able to attend other playgrounds and we feel very strongly about making sure that this space is available to those that need it. You can reserve it by emailing reservations@metroparks.net or calling 614-891-0700. We will open reservations for the summer on May 1, 2025. Of course you are also welcome to visit anytime it is open to the public- all day Sunday and Monday, after 4pm Tuesday to Friday and after 12pm on Saturday.
I encourage you to follow the Metro Parks Adaptive Adventures Facebook group. If there are days that we do not have groups reserved, we will open to the public and you can find those announcements there!
Thank you again for your feedback, patience, and understanding as we work together utilizing this space the best way possible!
How do you get in during the restricted times? What do we need to prove that our children have a disability for them to ne able to come play during the restricted hours?
You can contact reservations@metroparks.net or 614-891-0700 to make a reservation for your family or group.