My family has spent countless hours playing at the park playground on pretty days and for playdates. But most playgrounds aren’t easy for all kids to play on. This is where inclusive playgrounds come into the picture. I am hearing more and more about the plans for inclusive playgrounds in Nashville. Kids of all abilities should have the option to play at the playground. It is upsetting to think about kids who are left out because they are not able to maneuver on the equipment. Sure, there are some playgrounds that have special swings or some equipment for kids who have mobility needs. But these playgrounds, they are completely inclusive. Kids with special needs will be able to access all of the equipment on these playgrounds. Hurray!
I am proud of Middle Tennessee for making this a priority and hope to see more and more inclusive playgrounds in Nashville area parks.
Here are the Inclusive Playgrounds we know about. Let us know if you have one near you that is not listed.
Mary’s Magical Place at Veterans Park in Hendersonville
Mary’s Magical Place has been open since September 2018, providing an inclusive playground area in Sumner County. Mary’s Magical Place is dedicated to Mary Elizabeth McAuley who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and epilepsy and was wheelchair bound. Most playgrounds could not accommodate her wheelchair and she was unable to play at the playground with her brothers. The community came together to create this special place in honor of Mary and so kids of all abilities are able to enjoy this accessible playground.
Learn more here: https://visitsumnertn.com/place/marys-magical-place-playground/
Mary’s Magical Place is located at 140 Scotch Street, Hendersonville, TN.
Miracle Park at Triple Creek Park in Gallatin
Opened May 2021, Miracle Park is currently the largest park in the state of Tennessee that is inclusive. It holds 6 acres of A.D.A. compliant recreation including wheelchair swings, plenty of ramps, a special ball field without dirt or raised bases, and a chill zone.
Learn more here: https://www.gallatintn.gov/1915/Gallatin-Miracle-Park
Gallatin Miracle Park is located at 240 Champion Dr., Gallatin, TN.
Freedom Playground at Lee Victory Recreation Park in Smyrna
Also opened May 2021, Freedom Playground is another all inclusive playground with a safe walking surface and ramps for accessibility. This playground also has a Blue Angels theme, continued from the neighboring Blue Angels Captain Jeff Kuss Memorial.
Learn more here: https://www.wofsmyrna.com/freedom-playground
Freedom Playground is located at 110 Sam Ridley Parkway East, Smyrna, TN.
Miracle Field at McKnight Park in Murfreesboro
The David Price Miracle Field is a special needs baseball and playground facility designed for inclusive play for all ages and capabilities. The Miracle Field contains a variety of areas designed for inclusive play for all ages and capabilities, including sensory components, sliders, gliders & ziplines.
Learn more here: http://www.murfreesborotn.gov/1490/Miracle-Field
Miracle Field is located at 120 DeJarnette Lane, Murfreesboro, TN.
Heritage Park in Clarksville
At Heritage Park, the community can enjoy the new playground and nearby splash pad regardless of their ability and both areas meet Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines which makes it the first of its kind in the area. All parts of the playground are wheelchair accessible with the play structures including ramps.
Learn more here: https://www.visitclarksvilletn.com/listing/heritage-park-all-inclusive-playground-%26-splash-pad/159/
Heritage Park is located at 1241 Peachers Mill Road, Clarksville, TN.
Davis Wright Playground in Franklin
When the Franklin First United Methodist church opened it’s new campus in 2015, they designed an inclusive playground that is open to the public during regular daytime hours.
Learn more here: https://franklinfumc.org/care/special-needs/
Davis Wright Playground is located at 120 Aldersgate Way, Franklin, TN.
Promise Park at the Nashville Zoo
Promise Park at The Nashville Zoo is open as of March 2022. The park’s design incorporates pieces of equipment for all types of disabilities and needs, including: Autism, Cochlear implants, Leg braces, Children in wheelchairs, and Sensory disorders. Spin, swing, climb, slide, and explore to your heart’s desire.
Learn more here: https://promisepark.org/
The Nashville Zoo is located at 3777 Nolensville Pike, Nashville, TN.
The Miles Together Playground at Granny White Park in Brentwood
Brentwood’s inclusive playground at Granny White Park opens September 24, 2022. The Miles Together Playground is named in honor of Miles Peck, who was born with Down syndrome. The 18,500 square foot playground will include a thick Vitriturf surface for safety plus synthetic grass. Playground equipment includes rail rider, swings, glider, hammock, conga drums, and more.
Learn more here: https://brentwoodinclusiveplayground.org/
Granny White Park is located at 610 Granny White Pike, Brentwood, TN.
We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym
We Rock the Spectrum Kid’s Gym is a little different than the rest of this list – 1. it is indoors and 2. there is a fee to play. However, WRTS is the first of its kind in the area – an indoor play place for all abilities. They aim to provide exercise and stimulation all of the senses with 12 pieces of specific sensory equipment. They have a schedule with classes and open play.
Learn more here: https://werockthespectrumfranklin.com/
We Rock the Spectrum Franklin is located at 1113 Murfreesboro Rd., Franklin, TN.
Inclusive Playgrounds Opening Soon:
Rachel’s Garden at Peay Park in Goodlettsville
Still in the fundraising phase, Rachel’s Garden inclusive playground is planned to open in the future at Peay Park in Goodlettsville. The playground area will be 9,231 sq. ft. and will be enclosed within a fenced area of approximately 420 linear feet. It includes the playground and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant parking and access.
Keep up with the progress here: https://www.rachelsgardenplayground.com/
Peay Park is located at 200 Memorial Dr, Goodlettsville, TN.
Ellie G’s Dream World in Franklin
In the fundraising phase currently, but keep your eyes open for this inclusive playground to be complete in the next couple of years. Southeast Municipal Park will include five football fields, miles of walking trails, concessions, ADA accessible restrooms, a pavilion and the first public inclusive playground within the Franklin Parks System.
Keep up with the progress here: https://www.friendsoffranklinparks.org/inclusive-playground
Southeastern Municipal Park will be located at the southeast of Franklin on Carothers Parkway.