A Playground Designed for Everyone to Enjoy
By Margie Wihelmi, Play for All Playground & Garden Foundation Board Member
As the seasons change and warmer days return, the Sensory Garden Playground is ready to come alive once again. Designed with the goal of providing a high-quality play experience for children of all abilities, the playground offers a welcoming space where families can gather, explore, and enjoy the many benefits of outdoor recreation.
One of the key features of the Sensory Playground is the variety of play spaces available throughout the area. From active climbing and movement-based equipment to quieter sensory-focused features, the playground encourages children to engage in play that fits their interests and comfort levels. This diversity of experiences supports imaginative play, physical activity, and social interaction while ensuring there are spaces for both high-energy fun and calm exploration.
The playground was thoughtfully designed with inclusive play opportunities in mind. Accessible pathways, adaptive equipment, and sensory elements allow children of all abilities to participate and play together. Creating spaces where everyone can feel welcome and included helps foster friendships, build confidence, and strengthen the sense of community that makes our playground special.
Outdoor play also provides important physical, social, and developmental benefits.
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“While the playground is enjoyable year round, it truly shines during the spring and summer months, when longer days and warmer weather bring the park to life.”
Our Mission
The Play For All Playground & Garden Foundation’s mission is to create barrier-free and universally accessible outdoor play spaces and gardens in DuPage County. Through the cognitive, social, and physical values of play, the Foundation promotes a spirit of inclusion and enhances quality of life, as well as supports involvement in recreation and wellness activities for all people and abilities.
Without boundaries. Without limits. Play for all.
Time spent climbing, swinging, balancing, and exploring helps children develop strength, coordination, and creativity. Just as importantly, playgrounds offer opportunities for families to connect, children to make new friends, and communities to come together in a shared space.
Visitors will notice several new amenities that enhance the overall experience at the playground. A newly installed kiosk will provide a convenient place for families to find information about upcoming events, playground updates and partnering organization programming. Also, a new sand play table is in the works through a local Eagle Scout Project. These additions provide additional play opportunities and keep the community engaged and informed while making visits to the playground even more enjoyable.
Throughout the summer, families can look forward to Summer Saturday events (previously Play Days) at the playground. Summer Saturdays are monthly themed celebrations held on the third Saturday of each month, from May through August. These events provide opportunities for children and families to enjoy games, activities, and time together in this vibrant space.
While the playground is enjoyable all year-round, it truly shines during the spring and summer months, when longer days and warmer weather bring the park to life. We look forward to seeing families, friends, and neighbors return to the Sensory Playground to play, explore, and make lasting memories in the months ahead.
New to the Sensory Garden Playground!
Sound Garden Expansion
We are excited to announce plans to enhance our sound garden at the playground—where children of all ages and abilities can explore rhythm, sound, and creativity while enjoying the benefits of play. These interactive instruments like nature-inspired flowers or aerophones are durable, accessible, and designed to spark imagination, creativity and learning.
If you would like to be part of making these sounds come alive, make a gift today! Scan the QR code or visit playforalldupage.org
Informational Kiosk
Thanks to the Wheaton Lions Charities for the generous grant for a new kiosk at the playground site. This kiosk will allow us to keep our playground visitors informed of upcoming events, playground updates, and partnering organization programming.
Proud Partner of the Sensory Garden Playground
Children, Teens & Adults with Special Needs
WDSRA Programs: Virtual & In Person Fun, engaging recreational and social programs, trips and special events for children, teens and adults with special needs.
Inclusion Services: Park District Programs Inclusion services designed to provide the maximum opportunity to participate in regular park district programs. There is no charge for WDSRA’s support.
Western DuPage Special Recreation Association • 630.681.0962 • wdsra.com
Summer Saturdays
Optional registration is now available. while not required, we’d love to know if you’re planning to join us! Scan the QR code to register for one or all of the summer Saturday events.
- May 16 Garden party | Start off your summer with some fun at our whimsical Garden Party and join us in celebrating Western DuPage Special Recreation Association’s (WDSRA) 50th Anniversary!
- June 20 Pirate Treasure Hunt | Gather your crew and get ready to embark on an adventure; the search for hidden treasure awaits!
- July 18 Beach Bash | A summer splash without the ocean! Departments from the Wheaton Park District will be hosting various summer fun activities. Plus some fun America 250 activities.
- August 15 Storybook Adventure | Once Upon a Time theme is offered in collaboration with local libraries for sensory story times throughout the morning.
Saturday, April 18 | photo credits (left to right): Pat Corrado, Lucas Wessel.
8:30A | Sensory Garden Playground 2751 International Drive, Lisle
Untimed walk/run is open to all ages and abilities
- Afterparty and superhero meet and greets
- Race supports inclusive play at the Sensory Garden Playground
To register, scan the QR code or visit:
Planning a Birthday Party, Office Meeting or Fundraiser?
The open-air shelter provides a dedicated space for up to 50 guests and includes 6 picnic tables.
- $100 for a two-hour rental | $50 for each additional hour
- A $100 security deposit is required and refunded provided there is no damage or excessive garbage from the event.
Please note: Groups of 15 or more require a permit/reservation.
Ready to book? Submit an inquiry form at playforalldupage.org/rentals or email [email protected]
Park Address: 2751 International Dr. | Lisle, IL 60532
Mailing Address: 855 W. Prairie Ave. | Wheaton, IL 60187
