All parents are concerned with safety, but those of us who are parents of special needs kiddos often have slightly different things in mind when we think of safety. Thankfully, there are several ADA playgrounds in Birmingham! While some of these playgrounds have things that are just beneficial regarding ease of use, many of these accommodations are necessary for keeping our special little ones safe.
What is an ADA playground?
There are many requirements that must be met for a playground to be considered an ADA playground, or that are just convenient for parent of special needs children, including the following:
Accessible Routes
This includes routes to and from the playground, as well as to and from the play equipment. This helps tremendously for those who have a difficult time with mobility and or have mobility aids like walkers and wheelchairs. This also allows parents and caregivers to help get their children in and out of different play equipment.
Stable Ground Surface
The ground at the playground must be stable, slip resistant, and firm. This is excellent in aiding those with mobility aids and those who struggle with mobility. I can personally attest that my son was struggling with walking, having a stable ground to walk on made all the difference in the world.
Transferring Stations
A great example of this are swings that have added space to accommodate wheelchairs next to them and that are low enough to help get a child into them. If a playground has a splash pad and pool, sometimes they with also have a lift. This allow parents to help ease their child into the water. Also, bathrooms can have a large changing table for holding the weight of children of all ages. There is also assistance to get them up and down off the changing table.
Fences
One of the things that is extremely important for parents like myself is elopement prevention. This is when a child will take off running or leave an area they are supposed to be in. If a child is nonverbal or has difficulty communicating, they need to be in a contained area, as it only takes a moment for them to get away.
Communication Boards
I have seen some local playgrounds that include these so that nonverbal children can communicate with verbal children. The boards will have pictures of different things to specifically help with playground communication. If a child wants to play ball with another child, they can point to the ball and the picture that shows a child playing. Inclusion help like this can make a huge difference in community play for nonverbal children.
As a mother of a special needs child, I take all of the above things into consideration, as well as the following details:
- Playground crowds: Knowing the size and timing of crowds can help you avoid overwhelm or overstimulation
- Parking lot location and distance: Car accidents can happen quickly, and a child that tends to run can be in danger if a parking lot is too close without a barrier
- Clear visibility of the entire playground: We want to be able to see our children at every moment while they’re playing if there are any possible dangers around
- Type and danger level of equipment: Equipment that isn’t inherently dangerous can be very unsafe for a child who struggles with balance or one lacks awareness of danger
Local ADA-Compliant Playgrounds
Below I have listed several playgrounds that are ADA compliant, along with some I have visited myself and absolutely love for my family! Kulture City is a fantastic resource for finding playgrounds like these, even when you’re travelling.
1. Avondale Park: 4101 5th Ave South, Birmingham
With recent upgrades, Avondale Park has become even more accessible and inclusive. This park has new and upgraded playground equipment that is accessible for mobility devices. There is also sensory play equipment for those with sensory needs, music the kids can play with, and inclusion swings. There are also wheelchair and walking paths. As of this writing, there are even new restrooms.
2. Bessie Estell Park: 901 8th St South, Birmingham
Years ago, the Birmingham Board was approached by a mom named Veronica Ware who wanted an accessible place for her daughter Braelynn to play. Sadly, Braelynn passed away before its completion. The city then did something truly touching and named the entrance to their new playground “Braelynn’s Way” in her honor. This park has brand new playground equipment and everything you could want in a playground for your special little ones.
3. City Walk Park: 901 25th Street North, Birmingham
City Walk Park has an ADA accessible playground in the “Orange Block.” There is a lot of inclusive equipment, including swings, a whirlpool, infinity bowls, double arch swings, and seesaws. This playground is fenced in and designed to be wheelchair and mobility aid accessible.
4. Explore Playground and Splash Pad: 1004 RV Trace, Hoover
I genuinely love this playground! The ground is very easy for children to run and play on. The bathrooms provide the ease that is needed to change a large child and to get them in and out of a wheelchair. The playground equipment is exceptional as is the splash pad. There is a swing that is perfect for parents to be able to swing with their little ones at the same time. It’s also fenced in!
5. Homewood Central Park: 1632 Oxmoor Road, Homewood
This incredible park underwent a massive renovation in 2024. It is now an ADA compliant playground, designed with special needs children in mind. Everything from the surface of the playground being smooth, to the equipment variety and choices, to having a fence with a communication board, is perfect. There are inclusion swings, mommy and me swings, and low to the ground STEM play areas. This playground definitely meets the needs of those looking for a fun and safe place for their kiddos to play.
6. Pelham City Park: 555 Ball Park Rd, Pelham
We love this playground because not only is it inclusive, but it is also gated. There are also several pieces of equipment my son can play on, including a great splash pad! This park offers shade and plenty of viewing of the entire playground. The swings are easy to get into and out of, as well.
7. Veterans Park: 4800 Valleydale Rd, Meadowbrook
There are so many amenities that make this Park accessible and accommodating, including several covered areas. It is also easy to get around due to not only ramps, but also the surface of the playgrounds. The bathroom has a large changing table and plenty of room. There are swings and playground equipment that are so easy for kids with special needs to get into and out of.
