2 new accessible playgrounds in OC
Building inclusive play spaces is a growing trend in OC that benefits everyone
I know sometimes it can seem like NOTHING is happening to move the needle forward on progress. But here’s a little bright spot I have to share with you this week. I started this blog in April 2008. In October 2008, Phase 1 of Courtney’s SandCastle playground in San Clemente opened. In November 2008, I created and posted my first list of Accessible Playgrounds in OC. No list like that existed for OC (or maybe anywhere?) on the internet yet. It was the olden days! And even as far back as 7 years ago, I made this Pinterest graphic for that post which I kept updated:
5+ accessible playgrounds? That’s all? A few more with some accessible features, but not fully accessible. It stayed that way with little change for over a decade. In fact, it wasn’t until around 2021 that new playgrounds were being installed or old ones were being improved in this way.
It always makes me a little sad that “time-for-change” can pass childhoods by. The child who needed it at 2 years old would be 12 years old when things started to improve. However, I choose to focus on how it DID change and now my list of accessible playgrounds is up to 20+! Children today benefit from voices who prioritized this in the past. And from data and studies that SHOW without a doubt that these more equitable and inclusive playgrounds are good for everyone of all ages and abilities.
So, speak up even if the change is too late to serve the needs of your family, your child! Families and children in the future will absolutely benefit. They might not ever know your name, but the energy you put forth in support of your community will have lasting impacts.
I don’t just think that, I know it.
For one example, Courtney’s SandCastle playground is named after Courtney Faye Smith. Read about her and how the playground came to be with the people and organizations who joined together in support of a common goal to develop a playground experience in Orange County we all enjoy today!
Hoping you have other bright spots in your weekend ahead!
Michele
As a friendly reminder, make sure you ALWAYS check official sources when you are heading out to any of the locations I share. These are merely suggestions. Only you know what works for your family. Plus, your experience may not be the same as mine — and there can be changes to the hours or unforeseen circumstances or conditions at the suggested locations.
2 newest accessible playgrounds in OC
They keep getting better and better! These are the two newest additions to the growing number of accessible playgrounds in Orange County. I spent a lot of time this week scouting, updating, and creating these blog posts with FULL descriptions about what you can expect when you get there.
This one was an all-new post and I had the pleasure of meeting with the park host who is actually on Instagram at @katietheparkhost or also follow @santaanaparks for info on all the parks and recreation news from the City.
This one was an update on the blog. The new blog post has a fun photo archive at the end to see the OLD playground photos, in case you are curious what it was like before. I think it’s an awesome upgrade. Tip: For this one, don’t forget to accompany your child up on the play structure. There are gorgeous views from up high!
PLAY: The Privilege of “Not Really” Being Afraid
This is the section of the newsletter where we talk about PLAY or connecting to nature each week. I might share a video, an article, a book, or something inspiring. Just trying to help keep you empowered to prioritize play to benefit development and preserve childhood!
I asked a question in my Instagram Stories this week which inadvertently worried some of you. To the point where I had a couple messages asking if something had happened. Sorry to worry you! No - nothing specific happened. I was just trying to get a reading on what all of you are feeling here, in general. I asked:
You can see the results that 65% of you said “Not really.” I personally think that’s a luxury and a privilege. And, before you get defensive, there’s nothing wrong with that! I would have checked that box myself. It’s just always important for me to recognize where that privilege shows up and to understand that my experiences might not be the same as yours.
Thanks to the 35% of you who signaled that you are sometimes afraid to go to the park to play. I hesitate to make assumptions about exactly why that’s so, even though I have some ideas. It just shows we must collectively work on making parks feel safe for all.
I appreciate all the participation in my little poll. It always helps me see things from new perspectives. I hope it helps you, too. If you have thoughts or want to talk further, you can hit reply and respond to this email.
Get your printable hiking guide to stroller-friendly nature walks on paved trails around OC
The rain has cleared for the moment and there is sunshine coming next week, but it will take regular hiking trails a while to dry out.
That’s why we created this 131-page seasonal guide with mini trail guides to PAVED stroller-friendly and after-rain routes for winter tiny hikes in Orange County. (“We” = me + contributions from Audrey Rodriguez of Raising Little Explorers).
It turned into a fun project for us that will hopefully provide you with hours and hours of exploring and discovery time outside. I think you’ll find it worth the investment!
Two ways to get the printable guide:
Included as part of your annual paid subscription! If you are an annual subscriber, you pay $39/year and get to download the ebook (+ more guides as the year goes on) as part of your subscriber benefits. Go here to subscribe or give a subscription as a gift!
Buy an individual copy for immediate download at our Buy Me a Coffee book shop. No subscription necessary. See the full table of contents and read a deeper description in the shop. Go to our shop to find out more.
Your purchase supports this woman-owned small business local to Orange County! It makes this writer mom and nature guide so happy to know you are bringing your kids outside to play. I appreciate your contribution to this project more than you know!
Play-Filled Extras are waiting below this paywall each week for all paid subscribers. Thanks for your support!