projects bringing inclusion to the forefront
across the country, approximately 13% of children are supported by the individuals with disabilities education act (idea). yet many playgrounds still fall short of meeting their needs, lacking accessible routes, sensory-friendly elements, and opportunities for inclusive play.
that’s where inclusive design makes a meaningful difference. while ada compliance ensures essential features like accessible routes, transfer stations, and ground-level components, truly inclusive playgrounds go further. they are intentionally designed to engage children of all abilities, supporting physical, sensory, cognitive, and social development in safe, welcoming environments.
at snyder & associates, we’re dedicated to helping communities create spaces that promote connection, active lifestyles, and universal access. our expertise spans all-inclusive playgrounds, miracle league fields, and adaptive trail systems. we provide a comprehensive range of services, from community engagement and master 2022世界杯32强预选赛 to ada audits, site design, and construction documentation, to turn inclusive visions into reality.
we believe that parks and recreational spaces should reflect the full diversity of the communities they serve. the following examples showcase four inclusive playgrounds and parks designed to foster belonging and make a lasting impact.
1. all-inclusive playground & baseball field: ankeny miracle league
ankeny miracle league playground.
celebrated as a vibrant and inclusive space for children of all ages and abilities, the ankeny miracle league field has quickly become a cherished community asset. as the second miracle league field in iowa and the first to feature a co-located, all-inclusive playground, this park sets a new standard for accessible recreation in the state.
at the heart of the park is a custom-designed, rubberized turf field, offering a smooth, cushioned surface that’s free of obstacles, perfect for athletes using mobility devices. nearby, a shaded shelter with a concession stand supports family-friendly events and community gatherings.
what truly sets this park apart is its two-story, sensory-rich playground, the largest in ankeny, spanning over 14,000 square feet. this thoughtfully designed space isn’t just for weekend fun, it’s used regularly for miracle league games and serves as an outdoor play area for students at the adjacent terrace elementary school.
the ankeny miracle league park is more than just a playground. it’s a place where every child is encouraged to play freely, feel included, and be part of something special.
2. all-inclusive recreational opportunities: urbandale miracle league field & playground
urbandale miracle league playground.
nestled among the little league fields at northview park, the urbandale miracle league field and adjacent all-inclusive playground are transforming recreation for individuals of all ages and abilities. these thoughtfully designed spaces provide a safe and welcoming environment where everyone, regardless of physical or cognitive ability, can experience the joy of play. whether it’s a game of baseball, a friendly round of kickball, or simply climbing and sliding, this park proves that fun has no limits.
snyder & associates played a key role in bringing this vision to life, delivering a wide range of services throughout the project. our team provided ada compliance reviews, park 2022世界杯32强预选赛 , sports field engineering, signage design, and even created a 3d video tour to help generate community support during construction. we also developed fundraising and promotional display boards for urbandale city hall and polk county 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 works.
what makes this miracle field truly unique is its versatility. while it was designed for baseball, city leaders plan to host a variety of inclusive events, ranging from kickball games to community festivals, ensuring the space continues to serve as a hub for connection, celebration, and inclusive fun.
3. park master 2022世界杯32强预选赛 : ames miracle league field & playground
at inis grove park in ames, more than 500 children and 300 adults with special needs in story county now have a place to play, connect, and thrive. the ames miracle league field and all-inclusive playground at inis grove park are designed to break down barriers and create lasting memories for individuals of all abilities.
by featuring equipment tailored to all skill levels and stages of development, the space invites everyone to play.
this transformative project is rooted in three guiding goals:
- promoting inclusive play and advancing social equity throughout the community.
- developing practical solutions to address both community concerns and site-specific challenges.
- inspiring community pride and investment through a visionary, meaningful space everyone can enjoy.
snyder & associates led the project from vision to execution, serving as the primary consultant and main point of contact for the city of ames and the miracle league committee. our team performed a detailed site inventory and analysis, reviewing natural features, existing park use, and circulation patterns to ensure the new amenities complemented and enhanced the broader park environment.
the resulting master plan honors the character of inis grove park while fulfilling the community’s vision for a space where everyone, regardless of ability, feels welcome and engaged.
4. inclusive playground & park improvements for pella’s kiwanis park
in pella, iowa, a project rooted in accessibility is reshaping the landscape of 世界杯足球比赛预选赛 recreation.
easy-access play structures and smooth playground surfaces ensure wheelchairs can move freely, creating an inclusive space for all.
spearheaded by wonder spelen (dutch for “miracle play”), this nonprofit initiative is dedicated to creating an all-inclusive playground where children of all abilities can experience the joy of play in a space built specifically for their needs.
at the heart of the project is the revitalization of kiwanis park into a regional destination that reflects the city of pella’s commitment to inclusion and ada compliance. in partnership with snyder & associates, the city developed a comprehensive master plan that blends pella’s iconic dutch-inspired aesthetic with universal design principles.
the playground features smooth, wide pathways, accessible surfacing, transfer platforms, and appropriately scaled play equipment, each element carefully selected to support independent, meaningful play for children of all abilities. the surrounding park was also enhanced to ensure seamless access and a cohesive, inclusive environment.
kiwanis park stands as a powerful example of what’s possible when a community views ada compliance not just as a mandate, but as a shared value. it’s a space where inclusion is intentional, access is universal, and every child is welcomed to play, grow, and belong.
