About

Welcome to the Sensory Garden Playground

The Sensory Garden Playground is a universally accessible playground nestled in the heart of DuPage County Forest Preserve’s Danada South area and developed by the Play for All Playground & Garden Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organization.

The Play for All Playground & Garden Foundation set out to build a place where all children can play side by side because we believe inclusive play matters. We believe programs need to meet the diverse needs of all community members with or without disabilities. At the Sensory Garden Playground, you’ll find a play space hidden away in the trees that’s  designed to help kids develop and have fun; learn to take turns and play alongside a new friend.

The Sensory Garden Playground offers something for all the senses–seeing, hearing, touching and smelling. Like the scent of the herbs in the fragrance garden, the sound of children playing on the large drums and chimes in the sound garden, the feeling of roaring through the air on high-back swings, and the sight of families gathering together and encouraging cooperative, side-by-side play in the central gathering space.

Foundation Board

Michael J. Benard, President
Rob Sperl, Vice President
Margie Wilhelmi, Treasurer
Karl Berland, Board Member
Dan Leahy, Board Member
Rick Napier, Board Member
Kim Ulfig, Board Member

Reports

Email Updates

Project Status

The first phase of the project opened in spring 2015 and features a 2 to 5-year-old playground, fragrance garden, sound garden, interactive art sculptures, and central gathering space.

Other phases completed to date include the accessible Tree House, Gravity Rail and Net Climber. The 5 to 12-Year-Old Playground construction will begin in late 2024.

The playground is being further developed with the gracious support of public and private donors. To learn more about donor opportunities, please email [email protected] or donate today.

Completed Projects

Thanks to the gracious support of donors, the following has been completed at the Sensory Garden Playground:

2 to 5-Year-Old Playground with accessible ramp

2 to 5-Year-Old Playground

four sound-producing playground equipment pieces in the Sound Garden

Sound Garden

flower box from Fragrance Garden

Fragrance Garden

Various adults hold up a colorful parachute over children in the Central Gathering Area

Central Gathering Area

Horse and carriage sculpture from Art Along the Way series

Art Along the Way Sculptures

kids in Tree Top Swing

Tree Top Swings

Overhead view of Tree House, photo by Kmiecik Imagery

Tree House – Stage 1

Gravity Rail

Net Climber

More Information

To learn more about how you or a business you know can support the Play for All Playground & Garden Foundation, please contact [email protected].

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Park Location:

2751 Navistar Drive, Lisle, IL 60532
Playground Map (PDF)

Thank You to Our Project Sponsors:

First Trust
Main Street Association of Realtors
Science of Spirituality
Kim & Gary Ulfig
100+ Women Who Care

Founding Partners: