It’s that time of year again — when the air is crisp and refreshing, and you can hear the sound of leaves crunching. Thanks to initiatives across the state, Hoosier fall destinations are now more accessible than ever. Join us as we explore some of Indiana’s best autumnal adventure venues for people with disabilities.
Independence Park: A longtime local favorite in Greenwood since its construction in 2000, this Hoosier hot spot boasts what’s considered “Indiana’s first all-accessible playground.” Its rubber surface allows for easy wheelchair navigation through more than 100 wheelchair-friendly features. There’s the Accessible Whirl, a merry-go-round that’s flush to the ground to accommodate two wheelchairs. The AeroGlider swaying platform also holds two wheelchairs and is designed to enable visitors of all ages and abilities to coordinate movement together. Meanwhile, features such as the tactile play stations and Cozy Cocoon swing help soothe visitors with sensory processing disorders.
Possibility Playground: While Independence Park introduced the state’s first all-accessible playground, this relatively new Corydon destination now has the largest — not only here but in the whole country. Spanning 32,000 square feet, Possibility Park features ADA-compliant ramps, wheelchair-accessible pathways and soft rubber surfaces. It also has adaptive swings, zipline seating, and “sensory-rich zones” with tactile walls, musical chimes and drums, and interactive panels designed to accommodate visitors with various sensory needs. Additionally, the high-contrast colors of the playground are designed to help it stand out to visitors with vision impairment.
In this powerful news segment, 16-year-old wheelchair user Max Bowen goes down a slide and rides a merry-go-round for the first time in his life at the park. As his father, Josh, says, “It just hits you right there in the heart to see your kid do something around other kids and accomplish things he’s never accomplished in his 16 years. Everybody deserves to be included when it comes to play or doing a family activity together.”
River Heritage Park: Located in Carmel, River Heritage received major renovations thanks to Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation’s Reimagining Parks initiative. With ramps, an accessible swing and a carousel you can roll right onto, the playground equipment is as wheelchair-friendly as it gets. Rubberized turf trails from the playground lead to paved and wood surfaces through the woods. Two overlooks offer wheelchair users a safe, unobstructed view of the White River.
Ag Adventures Playground at Estridge Family Park: A relatively new part of Conner Prairie’s outdoor living history museum, Ag Adventures Playground was “created as a place where all children, with all abilities, can play alongside each other.” With sensory activities, slides — including a large, accessible wide slide — climbing walls, bridges, a circular web swing, and ramp access to all areas of the playground, this recreational ground has a wide variety of play options for any child. Ag Adventures was developed in partnership with Unlimited Play, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that helps plan, design and build universally accessible playgrounds that allow all children the chance to play.
In addition to the accessible features throughout, the Ag Adventures Playground shows off Conner Prairie’s deep roots and legacy in agriculture, while connecting guests to other agricultural experiences and exhibits on the grounds, which remain fall Hoosier staples.
Mama Bird Bakery: One of the best fall pastimes is cozying up in the corner of a café with a hot cup of coffee and a sweet treat. It’s a comforting way to warm up after a brisk day of outdoor adventuring. Mama Bird Bakery adds another layer of comfort with its mission statement that “Everyone is welcome at our table” — from the patrons to its employees. When you sit at one of the ADA-accessible tables, you’ll likely be served by someone with a disability. That’s because co-owner Jessica Klatte believes in the disability community as a former Medicaid waiver case manager for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As Mama Bird Bakery’s website states: “Every pastry and every pour supports our commitment to equality, opportunity and empowerment. When you choose our scratch-made treats and locally roasted Tinker Coffee, you’re fueling more than your day — you’re helping us create meaningful change in our community.”
Whether you’re out among the blowing leaves or marveling at the fall colors from inside, there is easy access to plenty of activities this season. Start this first week of fall off right.