My pal Veronica Ponce of Organized Playgroups tipped me off to the Twin Meadows Boundless Playground in Stamford at Stillmeadow School. At the risk of sounding a little cheesy, I really think it's a magical place that every child should visit. It was designed as a place where all children, including those with physical, sensory and developmental disabilities could play together. You really need to visit the Twin Meadows web site ( www.twinmeadowsplayground.com) for the full story. In a nutshell, the playground is the result of family's wish to create a place where their disabled daughter could enjoy the fun of playgrounds like other kids her age. You really must read the entire history though. I can't do it justice here.
By definition, a boundless playground is "one where children who use wheelchairs, walkers or canes, have developmental disabilities, can use at least 70% of the equipment without leaving their support devices behind." If you look closely you'll notice ramps leading up to the climbing equipment and swings for special needs kids that are larger and more comfortable.
We visited recently with my 16 month old daughter on a Sunday afternoon and it was bustling with activity. Kids of all ages and abilites were playing together and I was so impressed by how clean and well kept the entire facility was. Because so many of the surfaces are soft and low to the ground, it was a great place to bring a toddler who's just learning to climb.
If I recall correctly, the playground is open to the public on weekends from dawn to dusk and weekdays after school hours. During school hours it's reserved for Stillmeadow School students.
If I recall correctly, the playground is open to the public on weekends from dawn to dusk and weekdays after school hours. During school hours it's reserved for Stillmeadow School students.
Visit www.twinmeadowsplayground.com for more information about the playground's features and to make a donation to keep this amazing place thriving.
FYI, there two are other boundless playgrounds in Fairfield County, but I've never visited:
- Devon's Place in Norwalk (click here for more information)
- Didi Wein Playground at the JCC in Stamford (click here for more information)
Twin Meadows Playground
Still Meadows Elementary School
800 Stillwater Road, Stamford
(photo and logo above courtesy of Twin Meadows)
2 comments:
This sounds like a great park for ALL kids. I'm very eager to check it out, as well as the other boundless playgrounds mentioned. Another great park is at the Ridgefield Rec Center in Ridgefield on Route 35. I'm not sure if it's technically a boundless park, but it's definitely wheelchair, walker, and cane accessible. There is no sand or chips, the flooring is a rubber material that is very easy on the feet. They also have an area for toddlers (1-4), where the equipment is alittle smaller and at a toddler's level.
I love this playground!! It is a magical place for all kids.
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