City of Chicago officials and community stakeholders recently cut the ribbon on the new, fully inclusive playground at Midway Plaisance Park. The first of its kind in the city, the 21,000 square-foot (approx. 1950 sq.m), fully inclusive play space is intentionally engineered for use by children and adults of all abilities.
The design surpasses ADA compliance and features elements that support physical, cognitive, sensory and social play. The new Midway Plaisance playground incorporates three distinct, themed play zones: Stone Creek, Musical Grove and Picnic Plaza, intersected by accessible pathways and natural landscaping. Visitors will find play features like ADA accessible swings, a slide with a transfer platform for wheelchair users and a variety of sensory nooks, including a mud kitchen, sound forest and a fragrance garden that provide options for low stimulation play. These sensory-friendly spaces provide options for children to take breaks from busier sections of the playground.
“We are excited to partner with the Obama Foundation to bring Chicago’s first-ever, fully inclusive playground to the city’s south side,” said Chicago Park District General Superintendent and CEO Carlos Ramirez-Rosa. “Play is fundamental – every child and every caregiver should have access to a space that supports exploration, imagination and fosters belonging. This new park amenity reflects the District’s ongoing commitment to play space stewardship and enhancing public spaces that connect people of all abilities.”
The Park District worked closely with its Disability Policy Office as well as accessibility advocates with the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities and Access Living to finalize the playground design.
The Midway Plaisance playground is funded by a $4 million donation from The Obama Foundation and reflects a commitment to supporting the needs of the community surrounding the Obama Presidential Center.
The Park District has also made other site improvements including drainage upgrades to the informal recreation lawn and gardens and the restoration of the historic Cheney-Goode Memorial, one of Chicago’s earliest monuments honoring the civic contributions of women.
The designers of the play space are Site Design, Terra Engineering, and AGAE Contractors, and the in-house team that spearheaded this project to delivery includes Director of Planning and Development Heather Gleason, Project Manager Nichole Schoenauer, and Inspector Tanesha Bell.
Images: Chicago Park District
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