Shenandoah Valley Accessible Playgrounds
Harrisonburg
A Dream Come True Playground
1050 Neff Avenue Harrisonburg, Virginia 22801
Information: Named as one of the 30 top playgrounds in the nation, this playground is a totally accessible/inclusive playground with many unique and one-of-a-kind features. The project was the brainchild of a group of Girl Scouts whose dream it was for there to be a space where all kids could play alongside one another regardless of their abilities. The playground has separate equipment for 2-5 year olds and 5-12 year olds, and it has a play town complete with fire station, TV station, and ice cream shop. The play areas ensure that any child can have a good time. There are also covered pavilions with picnic tables. The shaded picnic areas and benches provide an excellent place for parents and families to meet up while being able to keep an eye on their children
The park will remain open year round unless the temperature is 32 degrees or below, or the ground is frozen. The playground is open from 8:00am to dusk, weather permitting. There is plenty of parking.
Additional information (PDF)
Special features include:
- Smooth surface for wheelchairs that is resilient enough to cushion a fall.
- Ramps to play equipment
- Low platforms for those using wheelchairs to lift themselves onto playground equipment
- Sound-play devices that make sound or music
- Playground features for children with visual disabilities that have hands-on multi-sensory experiences with interesting textures or fragrances.
- Liberty Swing allows children in wheelchairs the opportunity to experience the joy of having a swing in the park.
- Hammock swing
- Special Made-for-Me swings designed for kids who need extra body support.
- Ground level activities
- Family comfort stations that are fully accessible.
A Dream Come True Playground features multi-sensory experiences as well as wheelchair accessibility.
Wonderful fun on a Liberty Swing!
Roanoke
C. Darrell Shell Park
6328 Merriman Road
Roanoke, VA 24018
(540) 387-6078
Information: Behind Penn Forest Elementary School, there is one of the area's largest accessible playgrounds at C. Darrell Shell Park. It has several play areas that are for different age kid but the park is only accessible to the public after school hours and on weekends
A gravel loop trail circles the park, and leads to a shelter near the playground. A restroom area is located near the parking lot. The restroom and concessions stand near the ballfields are only open during tournaments.
Special features include:
- Smooth surface for wheelchairs
- Ramps to play equipment
- Low platforms for those using wheelchairs to lift themselves onto playground equipment
- Picnic Areas
- Picnic Tables
- Paved trails
Countryside Park
Countryside Ranch Road NW Roanoke, VA 24017 (540) 853-2236
Directions: Take 581 toward Valley View and take Exit on 3W. Continue past Ordway Drive and Ferncliff and turn right on Cove Road. Turn right on Ranch Road and park at playground or along Ranch Road.
The new playground may be reached off either Peters Creek Road or Cove Road in northwest Roanoke. From Peters Creek, turn onto Lewiston Street just past Rick Woodson Honda and before the Interstate 581 interchange. From Cove Road, turn onto Ranch Road.
Information: One of the newest of Roanoke's parks, it is a state-of-the-art playground. Not your ordinary play area, it has high-tech amenities and is equipped with an electronic Neos gaming system that keeps kids moving as they chase a colored light pattern on an arching dome. There are more than 10 programmed games for children to choose from.
Link to video promo showing access features.
Link to video with children enjoying the park.
Special features include:
- Smooth surface for wheelchairs that is resilient enough to cushion a fall
- Ramps to play equipment
- Slides, accessible by ramps with a round platform for parking wheelchairs
- Adpative swings to support back and head
- Accessible multi-sensory music trail with bells, drums, chimes, and xylophones for sound and tactile fun
- Contrasting colors for children with visual disabilities
- Electronic outdoor gaming system
- Picnic Shelter
- Paved fitness trails
State of the art inclusive playground at Countryside Park
Adaptive swings at Countryside Park
Winchester
Children's Dream at Jim Barnett Park
1001 East Cork Street
Winchester, Virginia 22601
Information: Located in Jim Barnett Park, the playground is accessible for young children and children with disabilities. The park features over 170 acres of beautiful green space and iincludes an indoor and outdoor pool, a fishing lake, a miniature golf course and much more. There are public restrooms and parking nearby.
Link to park map (PDF)
Special features include:
- Smooth surface for wheelchairs that is resilient enough to cushion a fall
- Ramps to play equipment
- Equipment painted in contrasting colors to help children with visual disabilities
- Individual swings with seats having backs to support the back and head of the child
The inclusive playground at Jim Barnett Park in Winchester
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