Playgrounds Without Limits
The Playgrounds Without Limits Campaign was created in 2006 to address the play opportunity challenges faced by children with disabilities. The campaign is designed to seek alternative funding and build playgrounds that exceed ADA requirements. Philanthropist Dr. Carolyn Farb serves as the chair for the project. The Houston Parks Board, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization, works in conjunction with the Houston Parks and Recreation Department, and oversees the funding and building of the playgrounds in City of Houston parks.
Currently, the Houston Parks and Recreation Department has five accessible playgrounds, the Buddy Carruth Playground for All Children, built in 1995 at Hermann Park, and four Playgrounds Without Limits built since the campaign began in 2006. These playgrounds are located at Memorial Park, Tidwell Park, Alief Park and Eastwood Park. The Eastwood Park playground was made possible with grant funding from Boundless Playgrounds and CVS Caremark. This program opened to children of all abilities on February 20, 2010.
Festival of Abilities
A Festival of Abilities and ribbon cutting for the new Vale-Asche Foundation Playground Without Limits took place on April 16, 2011. Festivities included: Wheelchair Tennis, Beep Baseball, The River Recital, Wheelchair Basketball, and Line Dancing. A special ribbon cutting ceremony for the Vale-Asche Foundation Playground Without Limits took place with Mayor Annise Parker, District D Council Member Wanda Adams, H.P.A.R.D. Director Joe Turner, and Playgrounds Without Limits Chair Dr. Carolyn Farb.
Design and Site Selection
Playgrounds Without Limits facilities are designed with a ramp and poured in place pad that allows children and parents with disabilities the opportunity to access up to 90% of the play structure. Sites for Playgrounds Without Limits were chosen based on statistics provided by the Mayor’s Office for People With Disabilities. For more information on how you can help with the Playgrounds Without Limits Campaign, visit the Houston Parks Board website at www.houstonparksboard.org.
Playground Inspections
All HPARD playground equipment receives regular inspection and maintenance by the Safe Inspection Team, which makes sure that all play equipment and fall surfaces are in compliance with the safety guidelines established by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the American Society for Testing and Materials.
To report playground equipment concerns to the Houston Parks and Recreation Department, please contact the 311 Houston Service Center by phone at 713.837.0311 or by filling out an online 311 email form.
Please indicate the name of the park, relevant date, time, and type of problem.