No Segregation at Thornton Creek Playground

An all-inclusive playground is designed for children at all ability levels.

“It’s really creating that space where they can play together and kind of forget their differences,” said Katie Kava, communications specialist at Landscape Structures.

Thornton Creek Elementary won a $50,000 grand prize to get a new playground from manufacturer Landscape Structures’ national contest. Landscape Structures, of Minnesota, distributes its products in Michigan through Superior Play, of Brighton. Superior Play owner Eric Sheffer said Thornton Creek was the first of its clients to win a national competition for an all-inclusive playground. 

The school, although part of the Northville school district, is in and has students from Novi.

The playground, which opened last week, does not designate which equipment is or isn’t for children with disabilities because the idea is not to segregate.  

>>Watch the video above of Thornton Creek students testing out the new equipment at the playground's grand opening.

“In the past, folks have talked about accessible playgrounds,” Sheffer said.   

He said accessible playgrounds often have many ramps, which take away space and money for other equipment. The equipment at Thornton Creek is easily accessible at ground level, so there is no need for ramps.   

“We’re not separating those kids who might have some sort of disability,” he said. “They want to be on the playground and play with everybody.”   

The playground has all the typical equipment for climbing, swinging and sliding. But it also has unique pieces like its “Oodle Swing,” which is useful for children who use wheelchairs because it’s installed closer to the ground. The swing’s large seat can also accommodate multiple children.  

“Because it’s so big, it encourages social interaction,” Kava said.

The same concept applies to the seesaw, or the “We-saw.” It has four seats and an area in the center where someone can sit. Children and adults can use it, she said.   
The playground also provides a different sensory experience. The inclusive design caters to able-bodied children, chair-users and children with sensory deficit disorders like autism and site impairment, Sheffer said. For example, there’s a slide with rollers, similar to a conveyor belt.  

“It’s such a weird sensation,” Kava said. “It hits your muscles all the way down. Kids love it.”

Have you seen the new playground? What did you think? Tell us in the comments.