Introducing the All-Inclusive Playground Concept for Kracklauer Park

What is an all-inclusive Playground?
An all-inclusive playground is an open safe space carefully designed to promote play among children of differing abilities, ages, and communities. It gives children with and without any disability the same platform to play while breaking down barriers, both physically and socially. It is an intergenerational initiative that impacts many people in the community, such as people with disabilities, veterans, seniors, and families. Not your typical playground; an all-inclusive playground has specific design structures to allow people in wheelchairs or with other devices to access features.

Benefits of an all-inclusive playground.
An all-inclusive playground has many benefits. It can increase physical activity to help fight childhood obesity. Children will gain confidence and increase self-esteem when they master an activity unavailable on a traditional playground. The playground’s multisensory experiences help build a child’s brain more quickly, and the unique play structures allow children’s imaginations to grow. Outside activity helps to boost mood, reduce stress and increase happiness. Children build social skills and friendships when playing together. An all-inclusive playground brings people together, creating a sense of belonging. It is a free activity and an opportunity for parents, grandparents, or caregivers to engage with children through play.

Why build an all-inclusive playground in Mundelein?
Building an all-inclusive playground in central Mundelein allows people with disabilities and seniors access to a playground in their community that they could use, eliminating the need to drive to another town. This all-inclusive playground will be located at Kracklauer Park, in the center of the Village, and two blocks from Special Recreation Association of Central Lake County (SRACLC). It is an opportunity for our Mundelein community to “all play together.” Active living and creating a healthier and safer environment are positive drivers for a community, and the playground’s unique features are fun for everyone.

Where are we now?
We have secured some funding from the Village of Mundelein, a grant through Senator Adriane Johnson, and donations from Medline Foundation Fund at The Chicago Community Foundation, Rust-Oleum, SRACLC Foundation, Northwestern Medicine, and Mundelein Parks Foundation. We have already raised 70% of the funds needed to create the playground. Several grant applications have been submitted, but we still need the community’s support. Does your company have a donation matching program? It is a great way to double your impact.

We’ve started to seek out additional funding. Every dollar spent will impact hundreds of children and adults annually.