A great place for children to exercise and grow socially, play spaces are a huge part of how kids grow in their love of the outdoors.
Within the past few decades, builders have constructed playgrounds in and around Alabama to higher standards. Now, these ADA-compliant playgrounds across the state provide an accessible and inclusive environment for all children.
Frequently referred to as boundless, universal or barrier-free playgrounds, these inclusive play spots create an environment that allows children of all abilities and needs to feel engaged. These playgrounds often feature accessible swings, ramps or smooth surfaces. Some have play components for the visually impaired, quiet areas for children with specific sensory needs or sound-play components.
Alabama has many accessible and inclusive playgrounds located around the state:
A.P.E.X. Playground
Jasper, Alabama
You can find the A.P.E.X. Playground, or Accessible Playground Extreme Experience at Memorial Park in Walker County, the city of Jasper’s oldest and largest park. The playground is owned and operated by the city and features synthetic turf, accessible swings, transferable stations for wheelchair users, ramps, sound-play components and components for the visually impaired. The property also features an accessible splash pad, which is open during parts of the year.
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Location: 610 10th Avenue, Jasper, AL 35501
Riverwild Playground and Splashpad at Delano Park
Decatur, Alabama
The City of Decatur Parks and Recreation Department operates Delano Park. The park is home to a variety of activities and places for children and families to enjoy their time outdoors. In addition to the playground, the park features a sculpture garden and botanical garden. Accessible surfacing, ramps and equipment allow children to maneuver and access the play pieces.
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Location: 825 Gordon Drive, Decatur, AL 35601
John Mark Stallings S.N.A.P. Playground
Hartselle, Alabama
The state-of-the-art John Mark Stallings S.N.A.P. (Special Needs Accessible Playground) is a great option for Hartselle families with children of all kinds of needs. Designed to accommodate the estimated 2,500 children with special needs in the county, the playground has numerous features, including surfaces that are wheelchair- and walker-maneuverable, accessible slides, spinning wheels and more.
Hours: 8AM – dusk
Location: 406 Nance Ford Road, Hartselle, AL 35640
Choccolocco Park Boundless Playground
Oxford, Alabama
Located in Central Alabama within Choccolocco Park is a favorite play destination for local kids. The park has two playgrounds. And one of them is a “state-of-the-art fully accessible” boundless playground. The boundless playground is designed to include children of all ability levels. Inclusive swings, double-wide ramps and play features welcome children with unique needs to enjoy the outdoors and find community.
Hours: 5AM – 10PM
Location: 964 Leon Smith Parkway, Oxford, AL 36203
Vaughn Road Park Boundless Playground
Montgomery, Alabama
You can find this ADA-accessible boundless playground at Vaughn Road Park in Montgomery. Play equipment and surfaces allow for children of varying abilities to enjoy the playground together. Plus, thanks to the park’s benches and picnic tables, families and loved ones can spend time outside picnicking together.
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Location: 3620 Baughn Road, Montgomery, AL 36106
Cove Universal Playground
Hampton Cove, Alabama
The Cove Universal Playground is a new play facility located in Madison County. The playground utilized PlayCore’s seven principles of inclusive play to design a space that met the needs of all children, regardless of age or ability. Features include adaptive swings, a quiet area for children needing sensory relief, movement experiences, ramps and more.
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Location: 429 Taylor Road, Owens Cross Roads, AL 35763
Rotary Miracle Playground
Dothan, Alabama
This lower Alabama playground provides a great, fun and rewarding play experience. The motto, “Every child deserves a chance to play,” has guided the playground’s development. A ramped play system enables children using wheelchairs and walkers to access all play parts. Other features include stations that are at wheelchair height––meaning everyone can play and interact together. The best part? The playground neighbors the Miracle League ballfields, which means kids can take a break to watch some ball.
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Location: 501 Recreation Road, Dothan, AL 36302
EXPLORE Playground & Splashpad
Hoover, Alabama
First opened in 2019, EXPLORE is a playground located not too far from Birmingham at the Hoover Metropolitan Complex. This universal playground offers 15,000 square feet of accessible and inclusive play experiences, as well as a splash pad. Like many of these playgrounds, the EXPLORE playground design allows for all children to play together as one community. It features sound-play components, accessible swings, slides and more.
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Location: 1060 RV Trace, Hoover, AL 35244
Whether you’re a caregiver, parent or guardian, there are so many great places to take your child this summer. These playgrounds and so many more are a great way for your children to engage with others and enjoy their time outdoors, regardless of ability status or age.
Whether you’re looking for family-friendly parks or challenging hikes, SEEK AL is your guide to outdoor life in Alabama. Follow along on Instagram and Facebook.
