It has been suggested that the Union County Lions Club should consider sponsoring an all-inclusive playground. Interesting idea, but what exactly does that mean? Who would use it, and do we need one? After speaking with several people and reviewing accessible playgrounds in Knox and Anderson counties, I found that the definition seems fluid and can vary depending on who defines it.

The internet definition states that it is a specially designed play space that allows children of all abilities―including those with physical, cognitive, sensory and communicative disabilities to play together alongside their peers. These areas use a universal design to break down barriers, featuring wheelchair-accessible equipment and sensory-rich activities. Safe surfacing and fencing to ensure everyone can safely participate.

To some, this means a playground where all kids, no matter how able-bodied, can play together. To others, it seems to mean a playground where one or two pieces of equipment can be used by someone in a walker, wheelchair or with developmental challenges. The rest of that playground requires steps or climbing that would eliminate some differently-abled children. Others feel that the equipment should be varied and designed so that everyone can slide, swing, and use the merry-go-round, regardless of size or ability. Some feel that adults with a child-like mentality, an admittedly underserved community, should also be included.

But the underlying question is: does Union County need a playground that differently-abled people can use? How many kids in this county would be considered to have a disability and be unable to use the standard playground? That is apparently a complex question. There is a range of what is considered differently abled, from someone with a speech impediment to someone living in a wheelchair.

Kelly Buck, Physical Therapist Assistant and Outreach Co-Ordinator for Mission Hope Pediatric Therapy in Maynardville, said that Mission Hope Pediatric Therapy (in both Maynardville and Tazewell) sees around 800 kids. While most of these patients come from Union/Claiborne Counties, they also see kids from as far away as Kodak and Oneida. Mission of Hope Pediatric Therapy offers Physical Therapy, Feeding Therapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy for patients 21 and under. Treatment sometimes starts at birth. They see kids with a variety of disabilities, including degrees of autism, developmental delays and cerebral palsy.

Kelly feels that a park for all kids is a great idea. If the equipment had heavier weight limits, then parents could (for instance) go down the slide with their child. Or have a swing designed for wheelchair use. Or secure their child on a merry-go-round. She feels that these kids need the opportunity to just be kids in a way that is accessible to them, as well as a place for the entire family to gather. Many kids with disabilities get left out. Families with special needs will travel as far as they must to access the resources. The issue is not the need, but its fulfillment.
Union County Schools has approximately 400-450 students in the system who qualify as kids with disabilities. But that is a very broad definition. As earlier mentioned, the term “disability” covers a wide range of symptoms from speech impediment to someone confined to bed. It does not include kids outside the school system. Lenny Holt, Special Education Coordinator of Union County Schools, mentioned that we would need to factor in home-schooled families, pre-school families, and adults with disabilities who could benefit from the facility. There does not seem to be any straightforward way to estimate how many kids/disabled adults in the county would need an all-inclusive playground. And should these adults even be considered?

Special Education Supervisor of Union County Schools, Shawn Roberts, feels that there is a definite need for accessible areas for all, including adults. Numbers do not give a true sense of how many differently-abled children there are and, among them, how many would benefit from an all-inclusive play area. There should be swings appropriate for heavier people. Autistic folks need high sensory stimulation, but those without autism also generally like to explore textures, beating on drums and gongs, and making “music” as well.

There is a statewide effort to make areas accessible. The Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities, for instance, exists to improve services and supports to enhance the lives of people with developmental disabilities and their families. Tennessee aims to become the most accessible state park network in the nation by 2030.

The idea of accessible playgrounds in Union County is not new. Years ago, former Mayor Micheal Williams had been approached about this by Elizabeth Tindell and Marilyn Toppins. He was very interested in pursuing the idea. Elizabeth and Marilyn are both still very dedicated to the concept.

So, the questions remain: Do we need an all-inclusive playground in the county? If so, would it get utilized? Can we get enough grants to build one? What do you think? Please feel free to email me with any ideas, suggestions, or thoughts at CommunityVolunteer5398@gmail.com.