Play Michigan!, All Inclusive Playground -City of Lansing Parks & Recreation

Project Description

Play Michigan is designed to meet the needs of children with physical, sensory and developmental disabilities. The
playground features wheelchair-accessible play equipment, specialty swings, ramps, sensory play areas and other
inclusive features, ensuring that children of all abilities can play side by side. The 10,000 sq. foot playground is part of a 66,000 sq. foot park dedicated on the downtown Lansing Riverfront. The park also includes a picnic deck, pavilion, and a dedicated barrier-free parking. In addition, a wide boardwalk and dock allows every child to experience the waterfront along the Grand River in downtown Lansing.

Is your project easy to replicate in other communities (clear in its impact and execution for other communities)?

Through various community partnerships with key community leaders, this project can be replicated. With the hope of furthering access for persons of differing abilities, our Play Michigan! all inclusive playground is a benchmark for other municipalities to replicate within the scale and scope of their respective communities.

What is the Community Wealth Impact (based on one or more of the categories you selected) of your project?

Numerous studies have proven the impact of recreation on the health and economy of a community as a whole. This unique playground promotes health and productivity for generations to come, for persons of all abilities. The positive impact that recreation venues like Play Michigan! can have are not always calculated through data points. However, destination parks and playgrounds such as Play Michigan! have shown significant foot traffic in an otherwise vacant greenspace. Being recently named one of the top cities in the U.S for Autism families by Accessible Journeys Magazine, the capital city of Lansing continues its efforts to be a hub for all people to work and play.

Describe the creativity and originality of your project.

The Community Foundation’s designers have far exceeded ADA requirements in order to create a completely barrier-free environment where all children and adults, regardless of ability, can play side-by-side throughout the entire park. Children with sensory disabilities or developmental disabilities have lots to explore as well. The playground-park maximizes inclusivity and normalizes differences, while promoting the healthy development of all children for generations to come. -Capital Region Community Foundation