Midway Plaisance Playground

NOW OPEN!  Welcome to the Universally Accessible Play Area at Midway Plaisance Park.

This Park welcomes all ages with activities for everyone. Some equipment is age-specific. Please supervise accordingly and enjoy exploring, playing, and connecting together. 

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Path Types
The play features in these areas can be used in different ways. There are three types of paths that take you through the play space, as highlighted above. 

• Universally Attainable
  This path is accessible for persons with physical disabilities. It requires the least amount of physical exertion and presents a low-stimulation environment.
• Moderated Challenges
  This path contains some physically challenging sections, some areas of multi-sensory stimulation, and requires a moderate level of physical exertion.
• Testing Your Limits
  This path is the most physically challenging, with the highest level of movement and physical exertion.

Play Zones– All Ages
The three levels of paths intersect at three play zones, where all visitors are encouraged to play alongside one another. These areas are for everyone to enjoy. Please be respectful of those around you.

• Stone Creek – Please feel free to engage with the water in different ways – divert the stream or dip your toes.
• Musical Grove – Try playing a song on the chimes or harmonize with those around you!
• Picnic Plaza – Gather around the plaza, take a break, and watch all the activity around you!
   

Sensory Nooks - All Ages
There are five sensory nooks throughout the play space. Some of the nooks are designed to be low stimulation and spaces for rest in case the play area becomes overwhelming.    

• Sensory Kitchen
  This Sensory Nook is designed to explore your sense of Taste. Imagine the tastes of all the different things you can cook in this kitchen! Please be kind to the plants and other things around you and only use the materials you find in the Sensory Kitchen Nook.
• Sound Forest
  This Sensory Nook is designed to explore your sense of Hearing. Lie back, close your eyes, and listen to the sounds around you! Please note that this is intended to be a low stimulation space, the people around you may need quiet and rest.
• Fragrance Circle
  This Sensory Nook is designed to explore your sense of Smell. Sit back and see if you can recognize the plants around you just from the smell! Please note that this is intended to be a low stimulation space, the people around you may need quiet and rest.
• Butterfly Garden
  This Sensory Nook is designed to explore your sense of Sight. Take a seat and see if you can spot any pollinators flying around you.  Please note that this is intended to be a low stimulation space, the people around you may need quiet and rest.
• Building Fort
  This Sensory Nook is designed to explore your sense of Touch. Try building anything you can imagine using the wood posts and the materials around you! Please be kind to the plants and other things around you and only use the building materials you find in the Building Fort Nook. 
   

Communication Board

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The play area features a Communication Board. Anyone can use this board to help share ideas, needs, or feelings. Point to the pictures to show what you want to say or do. You can use the board to ask for help, express emotions, make choices, or choose something to play with. Family members, friends, caregivers, and teachers can also use the pictures to communicate with you. There is no right or wrong way to use the board – just find what works best for you.
 

Donor Recognition
This play space was made possible through the generous support of the Obama Foundation.