Thumbnail Img 6357 Edited Accessible, Alabama, Auburn, Inclusive, Playgrounds — This inclusive playground has many accessible features, enabling persons with all abilities can enjoy playing in a space together. (Ella Walton / The Bama Buzz)

In June 2022, the City of Auburn constructed a 60,000+ square-foot playground, the total capital budget of the project equaling $4,265,088.81. The playground is inclusive, meaning it features aspects that go above and beyond ADA guidelines to create a place where persons of all abilities and needs can play.

Here’s a quick run-down:

Location: 430 Camellia Drive
Hours: Sunup to sundown

Keep reading for a closer look at some of this playground’s features + a list of accessible/inclusive playgrounds in Alabama!

Town Creek Inclusive Playground in Auburn

Thumbnail Img 6340 Accessible, Alabama, Auburn, Inclusive, Playgrounds — The Town Creek Inclusive Playground’s terrain makes it easier for those with assistive devices to travel throughout the playground. (Ella Walton / The Bama Buzz)

The Town Creek Inclusive Playground includes ramp sidewalks and is surfaced with poured rubber and ADA-compliant turf, making it easier for people with assistive devices to enjoy the park. This large playground contains a wide variety of inclusive playground equipment, from sensory panels to a monkey bar roller slide. Check below for a closer look at what kind of equipment this playground features.

A wheel-chair accessible Merry-Go-Round

Img 6331 Accessible, Alabama, Auburn, Inclusive, Playgrounds — Town Creek Inclusive Playground includes a couple of Merry-Go-Rounds, one of which is wheelchair accessible. (Ella Walton / The Bama Buzz)

The Town Creek Inclusive Playground features two Merry-Go-Rounds. One has seats around its surface, while the other is level with the ground, ensuring it’s possible for those with wheelchairs to enjoy the equipment.

Adaptive swings

Thumbnail Img 6311 Accessible, Alabama, Auburn, Inclusive, Playgrounds — A saucer-shaped swing sits in the Town Creek Inclusive Playgound’s center, with a harness swing behind it. (Ella Walton / The Bama Buzz)

The playground includes a range of inclusive swing-sets throughout the park. Swings with harnesses and sensory saucer-shaped swings can both be found here.

Thumbnail Img 6312 1 Accessible, Alabama, Auburn, Inclusive, Playgrounds — Adaptive harness swings are included at Town Creek Playground. (Ella Walton / The Bama Buzz)

Accessible swing glider

Thumbnail Img 6335 Accessible, Alabama, Auburn, Inclusive, Playgrounds — Town Creek Inclusive Playground: A parallel play paradise 1

The Town Creek Inclusive Playground has two glider swings that are parallel to one another. One swing glider features a harness seat, allowing persons of all abilities to enjoy the ride.

Outdoor musical equipment

Thumbnail Img 6317 Accessible, Alabama, Auburn, Inclusive, Playgrounds — Town Creek Inclusive Playground: A parallel play paradise 2

The playground is equipped with outdoor musical instruments that can be played at all heights, ensuring children with accessibility devices can partake in the activity. This sensory activity assists with the auditory development of children.

Wheelchair-accessible glider

Thumbnail Img 6345 Accessible, Alabama, Auburn, Inclusive, Playgrounds — Town Creek Inclusive Playground: A parallel play paradise 3

This large glider moves back and forth when pushed. With two benches on either side and space in the middle of the platform for a wheelchair, there is plenty of room for anyone to join in on the fun.

Reflex®

Thumbnail Img 6319 Accessible, Alabama, Auburn, Inclusive, Playgrounds — This piece of unique playground equipment

The Reflex®, created by Miracle® Recreation, can hold up to 15 kids and allows them to work together to move the structure up and down. This kind of sensory play encourages the development of children’s vestibular system, which is responsible for balance and movement.

Accessible/inclusive playgrounds in Alabama

A.P.E.X. Playground in Jasper
- Location: 610 10^th Avenue, Jasper, AL 35501
- Hours: Dawn to dusk
Children’s Harbor Retreat Facility in Eclectic
- Location: 434 Children’s Harbor Drive, Eclectic, AL 36024
Cove Universal Playground in Huntsville
- Location: 429 Taylor Road, Owens Cross Roads, AL 35763
- Hours: Dawn to dusk
Rotary Miracle Playground in Dothan
- Location: 501 Recreation Road, Dothan, AL 36302
- Hours: Dawn to dusk
Nucor United Community Park in Northport
- Location: 1100 UCP Parkway, Northport, AL 35476
- Hours: 8AM to 6PM