Big Dreams Playground

Please sign our petition to build a Universally Accessible Playground in Tuolumne County.

Big Dreams, Universally Accessible Parks and Playgrounds, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization has been created to build parks and playground for children and adults with special needs.  This organization was founded after research discovered that our local parks and playgrounds did not meet the unique needs of children and adults with disabilities. 

For children and parents with disabilities in Tuolumne County, spending a day at the park is virtually impossible due to the surface materials and structure of every playground in the county.  The closest Accessible and Inclusive Playground is in Folsom, California, 79 miles and a two hour drive from Sonora.

Universally accessible parks and playgrounds break down the barriers that restrict children and adults with all types of disabilities by creating a space that is both physically accessible and structurally inclusive.  The barriers that typically restrict disabled people from enjoying our local playgrounds include the surface materials, which are bark or sand.  This material is virtually impossible for a wheel chair or walker to navigate.  The alternative is a solid surface covering the entire playground area.  The smooth surface makes rolling over the playground to different areas much easier and enjoyable.  The second challenge children with special needs face at our local parks is the “inclusivity”.  Inclusive playgrounds have elements that address the needs of children with a variety of disabilities including, but not limited to, visual impairments, autism, hearing impairments, and developmental delays.  Universally Accessible playgrounds address these needs by offering a variety of exciting and enriching sensory experiences such as tactile elements (interesting textures for those with vision impairments), musical equipment, and quiet areas for children who become overwhelmed easily by the usual excitement and noise of a playground.

Not only does a Universally Accessible Playground benefit the children with special needs but it also allows these children to play alongside their siblings, parents, and friends maybe for the first time in their life.  It also allows parents and grandparents who have a disability, the chance to safely bring their child or grandchild to the park without having to sit on the sidelines. It is the goal of Big Dreams, to build playgrounds in Tuolumne County that address the needs of these children as well as their families and friends.  These parks will be created as a place where everyone can play, have fun, enjoy the outdoors, create community, learn from each other, and be accepted.