Sassafras All Children’s Playground is the renovated Laurel Hills Park, designed with the goal that all children should be able to play together.
Accessible Playground
I am a physical therapist and it warms my heart to see such an effort to include children with accessibility needs. And I like the idea of my children playing with those of a variety of skill levels.
However, this is a blog for those of you with young children. So I am not writing this as a physical therapist, but as a mom of a 2 and 4 year old. So let’s just go ahead and rename this park the “I can’t find your brother” park. Because that’s what I said the whole time I was there.
Overheard from another mom: “This is a helicopter parent’s worst nightmare”.
Above you can see the bridge leading to the playground from the parking area. There are no stairs and it is completely wheelchair accessible. This is AWESOME, except that it is quite possible that your toddler will escape via this route, and it’s not that far from the parking lot.
The other thing to note about handicap accessible playgrounds is that they are also more easily accessible by smaller toddlers. While there are plenty of rock walls, ladders, and stairs, you also have plenty of ramp entry to the play structures so the kids are able to get up to the top FAST.
This playground is not a “sit down on a bench and enjoy your coffee” playground. You have to be actively involved. Involvement is required just due to the sheer size of it: 3.5 acres. Which sometimes that’s OK. While there may be times that you want to sit down and unwind a bit while kids play (think gated playgrounds like Eastgate Park or Abbotts Creek) there may be other times when you want to actively play with your child.
Swings and Zipline
A big favorite at this park is the zipline. There’s always a huge line, so be prepared to wait. If this park is too busy, try Forest Ridge Park for another zipline!
Other Amenities
When the community center is open, there is bathroom access. Changing tables are available downstairs in the locker room. There are a couple of covered picnic areas around too. The park is beautifully landscaped and will no doubt be even more gorgeous in the spring. There iare basketball and baseball fields here as well.
Walking Trail
There’s also a short walking trail with a boardwalk. It was under construction when we were there last, so I’m hoping they are extending it! After we walked a while we also found an awesome teepee that the kids enjoyed playing in.
So, here’s the bottom line. If your family, like mine, loves exploring new parks, then you want to check this one out, even if you have to drive a bit. There’s lots of great equipment to explore and it’s so much fun! My daughter’s favorite was the zip line. But wear your running shoes, because you will need them :).
Raleigh also has two other parks that are designed for inclusive play: Method Road and and Marsh Creek park.