Los Angeles Orthopaedic Hospital - Everychild Foundation Universally Accessible Playground

Everychild Foundation
Universally Accessible Playground

Children with and without special needs are invited to the Everychild Foundation Universally Accessible Playground at Los Angeles Orthopaedic Hospital. This bright and safe play area provides children with integrated play opportunities through specially-designed playground equipment with sensory features. Opened in February 2008, the Playground accommodates children with wheelchairs, leg braces, crutches and other barriers that would otherwise leave them confined to the sidelines at traditional playgrounds. The Playground provides a colorful, safe and stimulating outdoor haven for children in the community — regardless of their physical limits — to come together, play and learn from each other.

The nearly half-acre play area features special equipment in a modern and creative environment. The Playground has sturdy foam ground cover to protect children from falls and yet is wheelchair-friendly. The park features a wonderland of brightly colored slides, tubes, bridges, swings, interactive puzzles, a quiet area and lush landscaping for children ages 2 to 12. A water feature shoots columns of water up from the ground while a whimsical blue-eyed red dragon puffs clouds of mist down toward children, which is especially useful on hot days. A gently sloping ramp includes motion sensors that, when triggered, set off musical chimes.

Through a joint-use agreement with the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, the playground is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week (except holidays), with maintenance and security provided by the city.

A grant from the Everychild Foundation, a Los Angeles-based women’s philanthropic organization, provided lead funding. The playground was constructed with help from Shane’s Inspiration, a nonprofit group whose vision is to eliminate bias toward children with disabilities through integrated play.

Special Saturday Play Dates Hosted by Support Groups

The Everychild Foundation Universally Accessible Playground at Los Angeles Orthopaedic Hospital offers free Saturday “Play Dates” with coordinated activities including face painting, arts and crafts, entertainment, and treats (but please feel free to bring a sack lunch). LAOH support groups Las Niñas and Juniors/Pinafores host these events that offer members opportunities to volunteer.

Read our bilingual flyer with 2013 “Play Dates.”

For more information, and to confirm days and hours for activities and events, please call Barbara Murray, Director of Volunteers, at (213) 742-1532.