inclusive playground
Opened in 2018, The Heartland Regional Medical Center Inclusive Playground at Ray Fosse Park is a play space universally designed so ALL children and families can play together, with no physical or social barriers. Play is critical to the healthy development of every child, particularly for those with varying abilities. It includes a Family Fitness Area that provides multi-generational exercise to help combat the epidemic of obesity and heart disease. Research supports that our children are more sedentary than ever before.
7 Principles of Play
Be Fair
Be Included
Be Smart
Be Independent
Be Safe
Be Active
Be Comfortable
Developmental Benefits of Inclusive Play
Inclusive playgrounds benefit all children, regardless of ability: It helps them develop a true understanding of the world, appreciate the differences between people and recognize the similarities that underlie them, be tolerant of diversity and accept others’ perspectives. By giving children with and without disabilities a chance to play together, inclusive play spaces can serve as joyful incubators of a more inclusive society, in which children with disabilities can participate equally and enjoy equal opportunities to flourish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who?
The Heartland Regional Medical Center Inclusive Playground is designed to allow for ALL individuals to engage in play. Special needs children and adults will be able to interact with all children and access the play area TOGETHER. In addition, special needs adults, parents, grandparents, and our wounded Veterans will have the ability to share in play with their children and grandchildren.
What?
Definition: “Inclusive play” is a way of bridging the divide between mainstream and special needs children. Both groups can benefit from these play methods and learn a lot from mixing with those different from them. Children of all ages learn in all aspects of development through play: emotional, social, physical, and mental.
When?
Summer 2018
Where?
The Heartland Regional Medical Center Inclusive Playground is located in Ray Fosse Park.
Why?
For children with disabilities the fulfillment of the right to play is often thwarted as a result of both physical barriers and social exclusion. Most often, the spaces and structures set up for children’s play are not accessible to children with disabilities. The resulting lack of interaction between children with and without disabilities, in turn, reinforces the attitudinal barriers that relegate persons with disabilities to society’s margins.
Teaching or facilitating children about similarities and differences and how to successfully play together can dramatically impact the quality of play experiences for all children. Intentional strategies to promote disability awareness provide children the tools to ask questions, get accurate information, explore their feelings, and learn how to positively interact with their peers.
How?
Marion Park District has contributed $150,000 and Heartland Regional Medical Center has donated $100,000 and is the “Naming Sponsor” of the Project. With the help of the community as “Donors” and “Equipment Sponsors”, Marion Park District intends to make this new playground a “Destination” location for the Southern Illinois area.
Teaching or facilitating children about similarities and differences and how to successfully play together can dramatically impact the quality of play experiences for all children. Intentional strategies to promote disability awareness provides children the tools to ask questions, get accurate information, explore their feelings, and learn how to positively interact with their peers.
The Inclusive playground is presented by the Heartland Regional Medical Center.
Thank you to our Lead Donor Naming Sponsor!
