There are over a dozen all-inclusive playgrounds in Knoxville, Farragut, Clinton, Oak Ridge, Maryville, and Lenoir City. It had been a while since I had been to any playground (the grandkids have grown up). Since I am researching the possibility of an all-inclusive playground for Union County, it seemed reasonable to visit a couple of these to see what they offer and what an all-accessible playground would be like. My personal concept of this type of playground is one with equipment that all kids, regardless of ability, can use.

Accompanied by my husband, we chose the Blue Cross Healthy Place in Farragut as our first visit. The grounds are immaculate and beautiful. The whole area is flat and covered with thick rubber, making it easy for wheelchairs, walkers, or anyone who needs an unobstructed surface to walk on. There are open areas in the rubber that have plantings, a promise of things to come in the spring and summer. The Healthy Place has several slides, and every slide is accessible by a long ramp with a gentle grade. Kids of all abilities were having a great time. Large rings elevated a little off the ground provided an opportunity for kids to crawl through. Gongs and drums provided sensory fun for all. Swings appeared to be one-size-fits-all standard swings. The bathroom included an adult-sized changing table. A covered picnic area provides a shaded place to sit in the summer. I did not notice any other accommodations for kids who are differently abled or for adult-sized folks. Fencing prevents kids from wandering if they are inclined to roam. “Elopement” in autistic children is a high-risk behavior where they wander or run away from safe, supervised areas (home, school, stores) without permission. Affecting nearly 50% of autistic children, it often stems from seeking sensory input, escaping stress, or chasing a goal. This playground has no fencing. Some of the play area is geared for kids of all abilities, but the sign indicates that the equipment is limited to kids from 2 to 12. This leaves out older folks who might have a childlike mentality and who might have enjoyed playing.

The Karns Lion All-Inclusive Playground on Beaver Ridge Rd in Knoxville is in a lovely area. The large grounds include the Lions Community Center, swimming pool, a large undercover picnic area, and the playground. The entire playground is fenced, and the gate is tricky for this adult to open. A great idea for the inquisitive and wandering child! This area is very flat, a boon for walkers and wheelchairs. But it is covered with an outdoor carpet that was very spongy. The texture may have been due to recent rains, but this old lady found it a little tricky to walk on, and it would probably be difficult for someone to wheel through.

There is a covered 2-room playhouse with open walls that is fabulous. Half of this building is very colorful, creatively painted, and has a few gongs. The other half has tables for crafts, picnics, or classes. There is a small merry-go-round with individual seats that has high backs and sides to provide structure for anyone with balance issues. Two large JennSwings (swings with chair-like support) have a weight limit of 125 lbs. There were gongs to hit and drums to play. The slides, however, are accessible only by ladders and steps. A disc-shaped swing looked like fun! The only ramp we saw led to a raised seating area with space for a wheelchair.

Part 3 will explore the Adventure Playground at Aspire in Clinton and the Ashley Nicole Dream Playground in Knoxville.

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