Playgrounds should be places where every child can play, connect and feel included. Sensory-friendly, all-abilities playgrounds go beyond basic accessibility to offer engaging, supportive spaces that meet a wide range of physical, sensory and developmental needs, from quiet retreat areas to interactive, multi-sensory play features.
The following list highlights playgrounds in the Cleveland/Akron area that are intentionally designed to welcome all kids, so families can spend less time searching and more time playing together.
Carolyn Ludwig Mugrage Park
4985 Windfall Road, Medina
medinacountyparks.com
Features double-sized ramps for wheelchair users and a poured-in-place rubber safety surface.
Cascade Park
387 Furnace St., Elyria
loraincountymetroparks.com
Features accessible ramps, pathways and play structures; inclusive slides; ground-level play activities; sensory-rich activities; and adaptive Swings.
Clague Park
1500 Clague Road, Westlake
cityofwestlake.org
Features ADA-accessible ramps, adaptive swings, paved paths, multiple musical elements, and a rubberized surface
Coe Lake Park
85 S. Rocky River Drive, Berea
cityofberea.org
Features ADA-accessible equipment and paved paths; adaptive swings and ramps; an accessible treehouse with wheelchair lift; and a partial rubberized surface.
James Day Park
11828 W. Pleasant Valley Road, Parma
cityofparma-oh.gov
Features ADA transfer stations, ramps, and wide bridges and walkways; adaptive swing seats with an optional adjustable safety harness; and a Cruiser with room for two wheelchairs and two full benches.
John F. Kennedy Park
17095 Sylvia Drive, Brook Park
cityofbrookpark.com
A fully ADA-accessible playground with ramps and inclusive surfacing that features adaptive swings with high backs and harness support; a multi-seat spinner and wheelchair-accessible merry-go-round; a monkey bar/glider track system; and more.
Karen’s Way Play Space
Huntington Reservation, 28728 Wolf Road, Bay Village
clevelandmetroparks.com
Features a nature-based design, musical play components, two separate swing sets and a zipline. The swing set and zipline feature ADA inclusive seating. There are also parent + child swings.
Lakewood Park
14532 Lake Ave., Lakewood
lakewoodoh.gov
Features ADA-accessible equipment and paths, including ramps and adaptive swings. The Solstice Steps offer paths and ramps that make the lakefront accessible.
Liberty Playground
6363 Selig Blvd., Independence
independenceohio.org
Features wheelchair-accessible sand tables and musical panels in the toddler section; adaptive swings and fully-accessible surfacing for all abilities; and a partially-rubberized surface.
Mayfield Heights Playground
6080 Marsol Road, Mayfield Heights
mayfieldheightsohio.gov
A fully fenced-in, ADA-accessible playground designed for all abilities that features wide ramps, adaptive swings, and sensory-friendly elements such as musical play stations and interactive panels, with a rubberized surface.
Miracle League Playground
35200 Vine St., Eastlake (adjacent to Classic Park)
miracleleagueoflakecounty.org
Features a latex-free surface, ramps, zipline, musical items and a quiet “igloo” area.
Neura Park
4637 Center Road, Brunswick
brunswick.oh.us
Features inclusive swings, ziplines, a spinner, an orbit, an orb rocker and a rubberized surface.
Parkview Playground
425 N. Commons Blvd., Mayfield Village
mayfieldvillage.com
Features multiple climbing structures, a separate toddler area with gentle slides and low platforms, wide ramps and adaptive swings, and a rubberized surface.
Playground of Possibilities
1630 Wrenford Road, South Euclid
southeuclid.gov
This castle-themed, fully-accessible playground features a variety of playhouses, a treehouse, animal spring toys, and ADA swings.
Preston’s H.O.P.E.
26001 S. Woodland Road, Beachwood
prestonshope.com
Fully-fenced with gated entry, this 60,000-square-foot, fully-accessible playground features a play village, sand area, adaptive swings, rubberized surfaces, and specialized structures designed for children with and without disabilities.
Sebastian’s Playground
6679 SOM Center Road, Stow
sebastiansplaygrounds.org
This all-inclusive playground is fully-fenced, mulch-free and features multi-sensory playground equipment such as a glider, telescope, sensory play wall, rain sound wheel, adapted swings, music features and more.
S.O.A.R. Boundless Playground
Silver Springs Park, 5027 Stow Road, Stow
stowohio.gov
Features an accessible play structure and swings, with a rubberized surface
Surrarrer Park
14625 Whitney Road, Strongsville
strongsville.org
Features a parent-child swing, ADA-accessible ramps, wheelchair-friendly Cruiser, numerous interactive play panels, and a Freedom Swing.
