Join in creating our region’s first universally accessible playground, right here in Burlington, Vermont.
 

Our first playground
for everyone.

 

Please join us in creating our region’s first universally accessible playground, right here in Burlington, Vermont.

 
 

Oakledge for All is a volunteer initiative to build Vermont’s first universally accessible playground because we believe everyone deserves to play.

Our mission is to foster inclusion and strengthen community by improving the accessibility of our community’s playgrounds and parks so that they are welcoming and fun for anyone who wants to enjoy them.

 
 
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Rendering of the completed playground at Oakledge Park

Rendering of the completed playground at Oakledge Park

 
 

The time is now.

Vermont is home to tremendous recreational resources, yet children and adults with mobility, visual, sensory, and other challenges often cannot use existing play spaces safely, if at all – even in Burlington.

 
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An accessible playground at Oakledge Park – a community asset on Burlington’s beautiful waterfront – will open the door for engagement, learning, connectedness, and pure enjoyment for everyone.

 

Inclusive spaces strengthen communities by nurturing understanding, openness, and friendship. It’s our sincere hope that Oakledge for All will serve residents and visitors alike, and also inspire other communities wishing to make their own parks and playgrounds more accessible.

 
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From the Community

Featured
Everyone deserves the right to play, and the only thing stopping so many individuals with disabilities is access. Let's make a wonderful play ground in Oakledge Park, and know that every child will get a chance to use it! Peter Halby Zeno Mounta

Everyone deserves the right to play, and the only thing stopping so many individuals with disabilities is access. Let's make a wonderful play ground in Oakledge Park, and know that every child will get a chance to use it!

Peter Halby
Zeno Mountain Farm


“This project is a win-win for my family and the community we love. My young son Otis has cerebral palsy, which greatly limits his mobility. Burlington’s current playgrounds and parks have virtually no options for him to participate and play safely

“This project is a win-win for my family and the community we love. My young son Otis has cerebral palsy, which greatly limits his mobility. Burlington’s current playgrounds and parks have virtually no options for him to participate and play safely and comfortably. Visiting our neighborhood playground is a simple and joyful activity we’d like to share with Otis, just like we do with his twin sister. Please join me in supporting Oakledge for All to help make our community as inclusive as it can be.”

Annie Bourdon
Burlington resident

Accessibility benefits everyone, and having a universally accessible playground opens up the world of exploration and play to all members of our community. Having seen my nephew, who has multiple physical and developmental disabilities, nearly explo

Accessibility benefits everyone, and having a universally accessible playground opens up the world of exploration and play to all members of our community. Having seen my nephew, who has multiple physical and developmental disabilities, nearly explode with joy and delight while getting to experience the accessible play structures in his community and the difference it has made for him to connect with other kids of all abilities in that way, I know that this is a critical addition to Burlington and one that is long overdue.

Laura Hale
Community Member

“As an adult with physical differences, I look forward to the day when I can finally participate in playground activities with my loved ones! I’m proud to be part of community that values all people, no matter their age or ability.” Shelly Barton

“As an adult with physical differences, I look forward to the day when I can finally participate in playground activities with my loved ones! I’m proud to be part of community that values all people, no matter their age or ability.”

Shelly Barton
Vermont

My family is in total support of the universal playground at Oakledge. When we provide a truly inclusive and accessible environment for everyone, all our children can celebrate their abilities instead of becoming disabled by them. Shelly Waterman

My family is in total support of the universal playground at Oakledge. When we provide a truly inclusive and accessible environment for everyone, all our children can celebrate their abilities instead of becoming disabled by them.

Shelly Waterman
Community Member

I am an enthusiastic supporter of this visionary project. Oakledge for All began in the community, has been embraced by Burlington Parks, Recreation & Waterfront, supports numerous tenants of our Parks Master Plan, and will soon stand as an incl

I am an enthusiastic supporter of this visionary project. Oakledge for All began in the community, has been embraced by Burlington Parks, Recreation & Waterfront, supports numerous tenants of our Parks Master Plan, and will soon stand as an inclusive, creative and engaging play environment for everyone.

Miro Weinberger
Mayor of Burlington

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Thank you!

 

Construction of the playground at Oakledge Park was completed in October 2023, and we are ready to celebrate! Please join us on Saturday, November 4th, from 2pm to 4pm (with a sensory-friendly hour from 1pm to 2pm) to come explore, play, and celebrate this exciting new asset in our community. Thank you to our many supporters for your encouragement, advocacy, and contributions of time and resources. The playground at Oakledge is a testament of our community's commitment to disability inclusion, and we hope it is one of many more to come.

 
 
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Aerial view of the universally accessible playground at Oakledge Park

Aerial view of the universally accessible playground at Oakledge Park

 

 

 

We met our goal!

Your secure, tax-deductible donations helped make this project possible.

“This park promises a place where all people can play together, be together. Universal or inclusive design brings us all together. And isn’t this what design should be about: making community possible?”
— Deborah Lisi-Baker, Former Director, Vermont Center for Independent Living
 
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The Parks Foundation of Burlington, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, is serving as Oakledge for All’s fiscal sponsor. All donations to support the playground are tax-deductible. Gifts may also be made by check:

Oakledge for All
c/o Parks Foundation of Burlington
645 Pine Street, Burlington, 05401

 
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