Imagine a playground where wheelchair users soar on adaptive swings alongside their peers, where children with sensory sensitivities find peaceful retreats within the joyful chaos, and where young leaders of all abilities naturally collaborate in imaginative play. These aren’t playgrounds of the future—they’re happening right now in exceptional schools across America.
In communities large and small, visionary educators, passionate parents, determined students, and committed organizations are reimagining what school playgrounds can be. Their collaborative efforts have created spaces where inclusion isn’t an afterthought—it’s the foundation of every design decision.
For our 2025 Best Inclusive School Playgrounds recognition, Soliant evaluated remarkable school playgrounds nationwide against criteria, examining how each space:
- Transcends basic accessibility to create environments where children of all abilities participate meaningfully
- Incorporates universal design principles that address diverse physical, cognitive, and sensory needs
- Engages the community in creating and sustaining truly inclusive environments
- Uses innovative approaches to transform traditional play concepts into experiences everyone can enjoy
- Fosters natural interaction between children of different abilities through thoughtful spatial design
These extraordinary playgrounds represent more than equipment and surfacing—they embody a powerful belief that play is a fundamental right for every child. Each winner tells a unique story of determination, from student-led fundraising campaigns to district-wide equity initiatives that prioritized inclusion from the ground up.
While countless schools are making important strides toward more accessible play spaces, these ten standouts have created environments so thoughtfully designed and community-supported that they deserve special recognition. Join us in celebrating America’s most inspiring inclusive school playgrounds of 2025.
America’s Best Inclusive School Playgrounds
1. Glen Lake Elementary School | Minnetonka, MN
Photo courtesy of Hopkins School District.
The Glen Lake Accessible Playground Project began with a group of fifth-grade students who noticed their peers using wheelchairs couldn’t fully participate in recess. Instead of accepting this gap in access, they took action—launching a fundraising campaign that would grow into a community-wide movement. Through bake sales, spare change collections, and persistent outreach, the students raised over $860,000 to build a fully inclusive playground.
The result? A sensory-rich, physically accessible play space with equipment like a wheelchair swing, merry-go-round, and accessible surfacing—all designed so that students with complex disabilities, including those in Glen Lake’s Compass classroom, could play right alongside their peers.
“This playground is so much more than a place to play—it’s a symbol of what’s possible when kindness, determination, and community come together,” said Jeff Radel, Glen Lake Elementary School Principal. “Our students saw a need, took action, and never gave up on their vision of making recess a place where every child belongs. Their leadership and heart have inspired all of us, and we are beyond grateful for the outpouring of support from our families, staff, and community. This playground will serve as a space where friendships grow, barriers disappear, and all students can experience the simple joy of play—together.”
The project’s legacy lives on through the student-founded non-profit Play For All, where students continue to raise money for future playground equipment at other schools in the state of Minnesota, and even inspired a children’s book titled A Swing for Samara, released in April 2025.
Photo courtesy of Hopkins School District.
2. Park Lakes Elementary School | Humble, TX
Photo courtesy of Humble ISD.
As part of Humble ISD’s districtwide investment in inclusive, themed play spaces, Park Lakes Elementary unveiled its safari-themed playground in 2023—and it’s wildly impressive. With animal sculptures, a Jeep-themed play structure, and a sensory wall, this playground is designed for inclusive exploration and imaginative adventures.
From its wheelchair-accessible surfacing and ramps to its outdoor classroom space and communication signage for nonverbal students, every detail was created with accessibility and engagement in mind.
“The safari-themed playground at Park Lakes Elementary is an example of how play can be both inclusive and inspiring,” said Humble ISD Superintendent Dr. Roger Brown. “From sensory elements to accessible equipment, every aspect of this playground was designed to ensure that all students, regardless of ability, can fully participate and experience the joy of play.”
Photos courtesy of Humble ISD.
3. C.W. Longer Elementary School | Hollidaysburg, PA
Photo courtesy of The Zack Hinish Foundation.
The All-Ability Playground at C.W. Longer Elementary School was built in loving memory of Zack Hinish, a joyful five-year-old with neurological disabilities whose spirit inspired a movement. Following Zack’s passing, his parents launched the Zack Hinish Foundation (under the Central Pennsylvania Community Foundation) in 2010, a non-profit organization dedicated to making a difference in the lives of children, especially those children dealing with physical or cognitive disabilities.
Photo courtesy of the Zack Hinish Foundation.
The former playground at C.W. Longer Elementary consisted of standard metal play structures, none of which were adaptive. As a result, the foundation said some students spent recess taking walks around the school rather than playing alongside their peers.
Determined to change this, Jeff and Tami Hinish found the foundation’s first initiative—raising over $200,000 to build an adaptive playground at Zack’s former school.
With poured-rubber surfacing, ramp access, and features like the Sway-Fun® glider and roller slide for proprioceptive input, the playground ensures students in the Multiple Disabilities Support classroom can play with peers—not around them. Volunteers and contractors from across the community came together to build the playground.
Photo courtesy of the Zack Hinish Foundation.
“The outpouring of community support was incredible,” said Tami Hinish, Zack’s mother and Director of the Zack Hinish Foundation. “It was a powerful and inspiring experience to witness the collective effort to create a space for children of all abilities.”
What began as a tribute to Zack is now a cherished community space that stands as a testament to the power of love, inclusion, and collective action.
“Zack didn’t have the ability to speak with words, but he spoke volumes with his mile-wide smile and incredible attitude,” said Tami Hinish. “Zack made those around him more compassionate, more loving, and more thankful for simple, everyday blessings. We hope to continue Zack’s mission by providing hope and assistance to those children whose health is affected.”
4. Congress School | Sturgis, MI
Photo courtesy of Sturgis Public Schools.
Congress School is one of six elementary schools in Sturgis to receive an inclusive playground, thanks to a community-supported bond passed in 2019. Each playground was designed with input from educators and tailored to meet the needs of students from preschool through fifth grade.
Beyond accessible play structures and sensory-rich elements, Sturgis schools also installed QR-coded signs linking to play-based learning resources. According to the superintendent, the playgrounds have removed barriers and motivated students to play together, and the positive impact can be seen through smiles and heard through laughs as students engage in fun.
“The Sturgis community is proud to support all students with inclusive play options at all of our preschool through fifth-grade buildings,” said Dr. Arthur Ebert, Sturgis Public Schools Superintendent. “Providing all students with accessible, safe, and engaging play environments builds confidence, connections, togetherness, and healthy habits.”
Photo courtesy of Sturgis Public Schools.
Sturgis Public Schools recently completed another inclusive initiative by updating both interior and exterior signage throughout the district. All interior signs are now displayed in English, Spanish, and Braille for both languages, while exterior post-and-panel signage is available in English and Spanish, to reflect the district’s commitment to inclusive communication for students, families, and the broader Sturgis community.
5. Raymond E. Curtis Elementary School | Weatherford, TX
Inspired by a student with cerebral palsy who was unable to play on the old playground equipment, Weatherford ISD went above and beyond to respond to the need for inclusive play. With unanimous approval, the district began building inclusive playgrounds not just at Curtis Elementary, but at every elementary school in the district.
These spaces were built using the 7 Principles of Inclusive Playground Design® and earned Weatherford ISD national recognition as a Demonstration Site. From accessible ramps and gliders to inclusive climbing equipment, each playground promotes play for the whole child—and the whole community.
Weatherford ISD’s commitment shows what’s possible when a district listens to its families and takes action to promote equity.
6. Wales Primary School | East Aurora, NY
Photo courtesy of the Butterfly Foundation/Facebook.
The Butterfly Athletic Park at Wales Primary was created in memory of Katie Durkin. Funded by the Butterfly Foundation, a non-profit organization celebrating the life of Katie Durkin, and built by 200 volunteers, the playground is filled with tributes to Katie’s joyful spirit.
Inclusive features include butterfly-shaped climbers, musical instruments, seek-and-find panels, and accessible gliders—all nestled within a space that celebrates both activity and empathy.
According to the foundation, “KATIE,” an acronym for “Kind And Thoughtful In Everything,” serves as both a guiding principle and a daily reminder for students who play in this beautiful park.
7. Cooke School | Northville, MI
Cooke School specializes in serving students with significant disabilities, and its inclusive playground reflects that mission in every detail.
From swings that accommodate wheelchairs to a SwayFun® glider and sensory play zones, the adapted outdoor learning and play area offers meaningful engagement for students who use assistive technology or require therapy-focused play.
The school also installed outdoor fitness stations and adjustable basketball hoops, creating a space that encourages movement and connection across all age groups and ability levels. Cooke School’s playground is not just a play area—it’s a functional, therapeutic, and joyful outdoor classroom.
8. Augusta Evans School | Mobile, AL
Photo courtesy of Mobile County Public Schools/Facebook.
Serving students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Augusta Evans’ playground is both a therapeutic resource and a beloved hub of fun—reflecting the school’s broader mission of providing a quality education in a nurturing, supportive environment.
The playground space is surrounded by cushioned turf and features multiple swings to suit a variety of abilities. In addition, a dedicated climbing area and sensory-rich electronic light-up game provides both stimulation and structure.
Exceptional inclusive design is not limited to the playground at Augusta Evans. The school building itself offers a wide range of specialized features to accommodate diverse abilities. Students benefit from wider hallways to accommodate wheelchairs, automatic doors, sensory rooms, modern technology, and more, according to the district.
9. Beethoven Elementary | Edinburg, TX
Photo courtesy of City of Edinburg/Facebook.
The Vanguard Academy Beethoven City Park playground at Beethoven Elementary features an imaginative design and creative musical theme—offering sensory-rich play activities and structures that sings with accessibility. The playground structure incorporates a variety of slides, climbers, bridges, and activity panels that carry the music theme throughout the shaded outdoor space.
Freestanding features like musical instruments, spinning play structures, and the We-Go-Swing®, which was the first in the state of Texas, invite joyful, sensory-based play. While music is a core theme of the Beethoven Elementary playground, the thoughtful design ensures sounds don’t disturb play for children who may be sensitive to auditory stimulation.
The playground also features a custom communications board, encouraging children of all abilities and languages opportunities to interact with one another and express themselves.
Photo courtesy of City of Edinburg/Facebook.
10. Payne Elementary School | Washington, D.C.
The Payne Elementary School playground blends fun, education, and inclusivity with remarkable style. The playground features a variety of accessible equipment, including ramps, sensory panels, and interactive elements that encourage inclusive play and learning.
The playground’s design incorporates educational components such as DigiFuse® panels that teach students about the human brain, atoms, and the moon, seamlessly blending physical activity with cognitive development.
Inclusive elements like the Sway Fun® glider and wheelchair-accessible pathways ensure that every student, regardless of ability, can participate fully in playtime activities. This thoughtful integration of learning and accessibility reflects Payne Elementary’s broader mission to foster an inclusive and engaging educational environment.
The playground is more than just a place for recess; it’s a space where all students can explore, imagine, and connect with one another. It sparks curiosity, builds connection, and ensures that every child has access to the physical and cognitive benefits of play.
Celebrating Inclusive Play
At Soliant, we believe play is for everyone. That’s why we’re proud to spotlight these inspiring schools, districts, and communities working to remove barriers and bring children together—regardless of their abilities.
“These playgrounds show that inclusion is not just a design feature—it’s a value, a culture, and a commitment,” said Lesley Slaughter, Senior Vice President of Education at Soliant. “We were truly inspired by the incredible range of inclusive playgrounds across the country—it was no easy task narrowing the list to just ten. It’s an honor to recognize schools that go above and beyond to design play spaces where every child can feel seen, supported, and included. We also want to recognize the tireless efforts of educators, parents, organizations, and community members who continue to champion accessibility and equity in education.”
Interested in making a difference in students’ lives? Explore Soliant’s current job openings for school-based professionals here, including speech-language pathologists, special education teachers, occupational therapists, and more. Read about previous inclusive playgrounds recognized by Soliant here.