I am writing from the prospective of a mom with an almost 3 year old that is nonverbal and not mobile (except crawling and rolling.) And a typical 20 month old son who never stops moving.
We ventured almost 30 miles to check out a park near my friend Sara. Really 30 mile is not odd in Kansas City, I joke that everywhere I go is 30 minutes in some direction. And if I am going some place closer I'm always early, because I assume all drives are 30 minutes. This drive was about 45, but I think it was worth it.
When we got there I discovered that the handicapped parking is actually farther away from the splash pool and the playground then the regular, yet very limited parking in the circle. We were lucky enough to get a spot in the circle and discovered that getting pretty much anywhere at the park was accessible, meaning ramps not just stairs.
We started at the splash pools. There were three. They were nicely padded and very toddler and special needs friendly. I even wheeled Charlotte through at one point in an umbrella stroller. There was also nice little places for Charlotte to sit and splash in little fountains. While Max and our friend Stella (almost 4 year old able bodied) ran around.
The only downside to the splash pad/pool area was that it was so open and very hard to keep at 1 year old contained while entertaining a 3 year old with special needs. But with one adult to each child it would have been great. My friend Sara helped a lot but she had her 4 year old to chase too. After the splash pad we headed to the "inclusive playground."
The playground was awesome! The swings were just right and the play equipment was wheelchair accessible. My only complaint was that it was only partially gated in and there was a wide open area at the bottom of the ramp that lead to the parking lot. I have heard rumors that the whole thing will soon become even more inclusive and fenced all the way in!! Our favorite charity Variety is involved, so I am sure it will be great. More on that another day.
Also at McCoy Park, there is an inclusive baseball field and another playground down the hill, the second playground did not look inclusive.
They also had shelters with picnic table and during the summer there is an organization doing free lunch for kids under 18 in an air conditioned gazebo. We did not check this out, but I thought the idea was fabulous! Just like every kid deserves a place to play, every kid also deserves a full lunch.
I know there are major changes coming to McCoy park and I am excited to see what is to come!!
So... On a rating scale 1-5
Proximity to my home: 2 - a long drive but mostly highway so worth it occasionally
Accessibility: 4.5 it was easy to navigate with a stroller and it looked like it would be the same with a walker or wheelchair. The only reason it was not a 5 is because of the weird placement of handicap parking spaces
Inclusivity: a solid 4- there was a lot to do for all kids, the swings and play equipment was all very appropriate. It may have been a bit overwhelming for our sensory friends, and the wide open spaces makes it really hard for a parent with a runner.
Fun: 3.5 - it would have gotten a higher score if mommy's anxiety wasn't through the roof chasing Max. Also Charlotte had a hard time in areas that were not shaded. But again with an extra set of hands it could easily be a 5!
Age range: Baby- Adults (I saw a women that looked to be in her 80s wheeling around with some kids) Probably the most fun for 4-10 year olds. But the splash pool was great for toddlers!
Will we go again? Yes!!
I wish I would have taken more picture but I had to keep my eyes on my kids. ;)
Eating lunch in the playground!
