What Makes the Sensory Garden Playground Inclusive?
This great question was recently posed by a student from Kennedy Jr. High School in Lisle. We pondered this a bit and realized there are so many different answers and ways that make our playground inclusive. Inclusivity means including everyone (children of all abilities) which is what the Sensory Garden Playground offers, so children can play, interact, and learn side by side. The Sensory Garden Playground provides:
- PHYSICAL ACCESS by providing accessible ramps, transfer stations and ground-level play.
- SENSORY-RICH EXPERIENCES with a variety of sight, sound, and smell environments with clear communication through visual boards and signage.
- SOCIAL INCLUSION with cooperative play features and gathering spaces for parents and caregivers.
- COGNITIVE & EMOTIONAL SUPPORT with themed play areas and quiet spaces to give children control over where and how they play.
- UNIVERSAL DESIGN PRINCIPLES were followed, by creating environments that are usable by everyone, without the need for adaptation.
It was valuable to be reminded of the playground’s intention for the benefit of our community and rewarding to see that more sensory friendly playgrounds are in the works, like the one that Kennedy Jr. High School is planning for the future.
“The Sensory Garden Playground provides physical access, sensory-rich experiences, social inclusion, and cognitive & emotional support for children of all abilities.”
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.
Play For All Ribbon Cutting
On June 12, we celebrated the opening of the brand new 5 to 12-year-old playground space and the open-air shelter.
The Play For All Playground & Garden Foundation, The Lisle Chamber of Commerce and Wheaton Chamber of Commerce joined together for an evening filled with local business leaders and families to celebrate the new play space and shelter. The new shelter is available to rent, provides exclusive access and can accommodate up to 50 guests.
To inquire or rent the shelter, renters are encouraged to email [email protected] or visit the playforalldupage.org website. Reservations for 2026 may be made starting January 1, 2026.
Welcome Liz Hunka to the Play For All Playground & Garden Foundation
Liz joined the foundation board in September and is looking forward to helping the Sensory Garden Playground achieve greater visibility and recognition.
Liz has a strong background in public relations and marketing where she focused on developing programs to help non-profit organizations. She has worked with inclusion programs in schools and assists many special needs students through her tutoring services.
“I joined the foundation because the Sensory Garden Playground is truly an exemplary playground, not only providing accessibility to children with special needs, but also a great experience for all children. It provides a venue for expressions of freedom and creativity,” said Liz.
Liz has been a Wheaton resident for over 25 years and is excited to give back to the community that has given so much to her and her family.
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
Looking Back at the 2025 Summer Play Days
As the leaves begin to fall and kids go back to school, we close the books on a memorable summer at the Sensory Garden Playground – filled with laughter, fun and our ever-growing Summer Play Days. With each turn of the calendar year, our Summer Play Days grow – with more exciting activities offered, new giveaways to collect, and more families attending, it all adds up to more fun for all! With the addition of the 5 to 12-year-old playground and over 600 Play Day attendees, 2025 truly marked a new high for the Summer Play Days.
Our Summer Play Days started off fast – with a Derby themed day to celebrate the playground’s equestrian theme. Kids raced around the playground trying to find the hidden scavenger hunt items and were able to collect a special horse themed rubber duck.
In June, staff from the Wheaton Park District Recreation Department came marching in to celebrate Music. We had mini music lessons, sing-a-longs and lots of dancing!
In July the carnival came to the playground for a day filled with wacky fun and carnival games for kids to play.
We finished our Play Days strong, with a celebration of Heroes, whether in our own lives and our local communities. Kids came dressed as their favorite heroes and were able to write on our mural who the hero in their life was.
Thank you to everyone who joined us this year! A special thank you to our Play Day Sponsors: Western DuPage Special Recreation Association, Lotus Bloom Psychology, Inclusive Escapes, and Goldfish Swim School; and thank you to Cosley Zoo, the DuPage County Historical Museum and the Lincoln Marsh for joining in on the fun.
As time moves on, so does the Sensory Garden Playground’s commitment to inclusive play. We could not move forward without the generous support of the community we are a part of – so our final thank you is to you. Thank you for playing at the playground and supporting our mission to create a place where everyone can have fun.
We hope to see you again next year at our Summer Play Days, as we are already making plans to expand our activities, offer new themes, and have more fun than ever!
Help Us Add New Amenities!
• SOUND GARDEN ELEMENTS: Auditory play helps children differentiate sounds, develope their hearing and engages more parts of the brain.
• SHADE STRUCTURE REPLACEMENT: Essential for providing respite on hot days, especially for children who struggle with sensory challenges.
• LOG BENCHES: Additional seating will make the playground more welcoming and comfortable for visitors.
Any support will help make these additions
possible! To get involved, scan the QR code or visit
playforalldupage.org/donate
