Located in the Oak Terrace Preserve neighborhood and adjacent to the North Charleston Creative Arts Elementary school, the Oak Terrace Preserve Inclusive Playground is the City’s first inclusive playground and welcomes ALL children and adults to a play experience where everyone can interact. Inclusive playgrounds enable children of all abilities to participate, no matter physical, cognitive, social, or emotional development, ensuring play options and engagement within all activities.
This park serves as an example of the playground to be constructed as part of the $20 million reimaging and redevelopment of the interior of Park Circle, which is set to include a new community center, greenspace, an inclusive ball field, and the region’s largest inclusive playground.
“Establishing the city’s first inclusive playground is a meaningful step forward as part of our ongoing focus to bring play and activities to all,” stated North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey. “We want to ensure that all children and adults enjoy an equal quality of life in North Charleston, and with play being an integral part of one’s well-being, our parks and recreation are making positive strides.”
This playground was selected as a National Demonstration Site by PlayCore’s Center for Outreach, Research, and Education, made possible through an initiative by GameTime and the SC Recreation and Parks Association. To date, there are no other National Demonstration Sites in the state of South Carolina.
As stated on PlayCore’s website, the National Demonstration Site Network is “an important effort for raising national awareness and helping local communities share the positive impact they are making on community health and wellness. The initiative serves as an exclusive opportunity to participate in ongoing data collection and receive a complete research findings report on your community’s vitality. National Demonstration Sites illustrate community vitality across a variety of influences, including social-emotional, environmental, health, community engagement, public services, and educational opportunities.”
