About Marion Inclusive Playground
Fun For Everyone!
A Place Where Every Child Can Play, Learn, and Belong
Opened in 2018, the Heartland Regional Medical Center Inclusive Playground at Ray Fosse Park was designed with one goal in mind — to create a space where all children and families can play together without barriers. This universally designed playground removes physical and social obstacles so that children of every ability can experience the joy, challenge, and connection that play brings.
Alongside the play area, a Family Fitness Zone encourages multi-generational exercise and promotes healthier lifestyles for both kids and adults — helping combat modern challenges like sedentary habits, obesity, and heart disease. More than just a playground, it’s a vibrant community space where play fosters understanding, inclusion, and lifelong friendship.
The 7 Principles of Inclusive Play
Inclusive play is guided by a universal design philosophy — one that ensures children of all abilities can play side by side, learning from one another and growing together.
These seven core principles shape the Heartland Regional Medical Center Inclusive Playground experience:
1. Be Fair
Every child deserves the opportunity to play, explore, and participate equally.
2. Be Included
Play spaces are designed to remove barriers and welcome everyone, no matter their ability.
3. Be Smart
Thoughtful design encourages problem-solving, creativity, and cognitive growth through play.
4. Be Independent
Children can explore freely and make their own choices in a safe, accessible environment.
5. Be Safe
Inclusive play equipment and surfacing ensure every child can play confidently and securely.
6. Be Active
Play experiences inspire movement, coordination, and physical development for all ages.
7. Be Comfortable
Every design choice — from shade to surfacing — considers comfort, sensory needs, and accessibility.
Developmental Benefits of Inclusive Play
Inclusive playgrounds do more than bring children together — they nurture understanding, empathy, and shared joy.
At the Heartland Regional Medical Center Inclusive Playground, children of all abilities learn and grow side by side, building a foundation for a more connected and compassionate community.
Cognitive & Emotional Growth
Inclusive play helps children understand diversity, appreciate differences, and recognize the similarities that unite us all.
Social Connection
By encouraging play between children with and without disabilities, inclusive playgrounds foster empathy, teamwork, and lifelong friendships.
Physical Development
Accessible and adaptable equipment allows every child to build strength, coordination, and confidence through active play.
Community Impact
When children play together without barriers, they model inclusion for the world around them — creating a community where everyone can participate, belong, and thrive.
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 Deaconess.
Thank you to our Lead Donor Naming Sponsor!
