Bennett’s Village Inclusive Play Space
Bennett’s Village was inspired by the memory of a little boy with spinal muscular atrophy who loved to play but couldn’t access many playgrounds and outdoor spaces. A non-profit organization created in his honor is now working to build an all-abilities, multigenerational play space at Pen Park in Charlottesville, Virginia. Working with Charlottesville City and many community partners, the organization is in Phase One of construction, building an accessible treehouse play area at Pen Park.
When fully built, Bennett’s Village will be a one-of-a-kind play space where those with auditory sensitivities and deficits, visual impairments, developmental delays, and sensory challenges—as well as those with a full range of abilities—can play together.
Why Charlottesville Needs an Inclusive Playground
Although Charlottesville and Albemarle County have many playgrounds, they aren’t designed to create equal access to outdoor play spaces. Bennett and his family had to travel to Richmond to find a playground where they could play together. In his memory, his family, friends, and community created a non-profit organization to build an accessible playground in Charlottesville.
Heather Kunk, a member of both the non-profit’s board and the Charlottesville community, believes that inclusive design can help all local families.
“We have family members who use wheelchairs for mobility,” says Kunk. “We also have three very active small children. It is difficult to find outdoor spaces we can all play in together as a family. Bennett’s Village will be a destination for families like mine who have members of all ages and abilities who want to explore and play outside together.”
More about the planning and construction of the playground can be found on the Bennett’s Village website.
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How Will the Playground Be Inclusive?
Bennett’s Village is designed for all families and children, regardless of their physical or developmental abilities. The goal is to create a play space where all children, caregivers, and friends can play side by side.
The inclusive design elements of the play space include:
- Flat, consistent surface material instead of sand and wood chips, which can be difficult or dangerous for those with mobility issues
- Fencing to prevent “wandering off,” which is a common safety concern in the disability community
- Enough shading from the heat
- Plenty of seating and restrooms
- Accessible play structures
Is Bennett’s Village Playground Complete?
Bennett’s Village is currently under construction. The goal is for the park and new play spaces to be open to the public as much as possible while construction continues.
When it’s complete, the playground will be nearly four acres. The park and playground will be made of many different areas, such as the Inclusive Treehouse and its Accessible Path, the Central Play Space, a Willow Tunnel, a Splash Zone, a Sensory Garden, and more.
Where Is Bennett’s Village Playground Located?
Bennett’s Village is part of Pen Park in Charlottesville, Virginia. Its address is 1300 Pen Park Rd., Charlottesville, VA 22901.
Are you interested in day trips and fun with kids? CharlottesvilleFamily Magazine is your solution! Here you can find our favorite free activities around Charlottesville, Shenandoah Valley day trips, sensory-friendly outings, ideas for visiting Monticello, WildRock and more!