Any family with a child has been to a park. If your child has a disability you quickly notice there is not much your child can enjoy. Whether your child has a physical, emotional or mental disability it can be a challenge to find a park where they can participate and feel safe. Now imagine you have two or three children, all under 5 but one has to wear braces on their legs. This greatly diminishes what activities the whole family can participate in. Madison’s Place in Woodbury, Minnesota erases the obstacles. It’s a first all-inclusive playground for the Twin Cities.
How did Madison’s Place come to be? Well, it all started many years ago with Madison Claire. Madison Claire was born in 2002 to the Millington Family. She was the youngest of the three Millington children. By the time Madison was 6 months old her parents noticed she was not progressing like her older siblings had. When they discussed this with the doctor at her 6-month checkup they were referred to a neurologist. The neurologist confirmed the Millingtons concerns, Madison had Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).
The Millingtons knew Madison only had a short time on this earth. During this time they did their best to give their children a childhood. In 2004 Madison passed away surrounded by loved ones. As the Millingtons reflected on their journey they decided they wanted to do something to make the world a better a place for families with disabilities.
Madison’ Place was born. Over the next decade fundraising took place and just this past weekend Maidson’s Place opened in Woodbury, Minnesota. It’s a one of a kind, first in the Twin Cities All-Inclusive park for families with disabilities. Throughout the park you will find braille, special equipment and a super soft spongy surface. If you have a family member wheelchair bound they can wheel right up to parts of the playground and still interact with others. No one is left out at Madison’s Place.
Peyton and I took a visit to Madison’s Place to check it out. It is, by far, the nicest park we have ever visited. Everyone is able to play here. The splash pad is wheelchair accessible. Lots of open space to wheel in and out of. Plenty of water sources shooting up in the air and falling from up high.
The bathrooms are all family friendly and handicap accessible.
This is a dream park for children and their families. Everyone is able to play. This was all made possible by the Madison Claire Foundation.
If you are looking for an all-inclusive family friendly park then you need to take a trip over to Madison’s Place. Located off of Radio Drive and Bielenberg by the soccer fields in Woodbury Minnesota.
Madison Claire Foundation|Facebook|Twitter
Leave a Reply