Flushing Meadows Corona Park

The Playground for All Children is the first playground constructed in the United States for disabled and able-bodied children. It served as a prototype for similar sites across New York City, the United States, and the world. Parks collaborated with the Department of City Planning, architects, and community and advocacy groups for the disabled on its design and construction. Hisham N. Ashkouri and James Charniky, of Rockville Centre, New York, won the contract in 1976 and designed the original play equipment with the Playground Corporation of America. Construction for the $3,353,000 project began in the fall of 1980. Mayor Edward I. Koch and Commissioner Stern dedicated the Playground for All Children on June 1, 1984.

The site features a wide variety of activities for children ages 3 to 12. This playground was designed to accommodate children using crutches, canes, walkers, or wheelchairs, and to provide many opportunities for social, cognitive, sensory and motor activity. The Apparatus Area has play equipment with safety surfacing, a traffic bridge with traffic lights, slides and swings, and a 12-foot-long suspension bridge. Children learn about nature on the Interpretive Trail with plaques in English and Braille. The Racing Track winds around the Water Wheel area for children to cool off in. The Amphitheatre contains a performance area with a basketball court and seating, and the adjacent Meadow Play Area provides space for running games and the like. The Sports Games Arena has a basketball court, a baseball diamond, and an area for volleyball, badminton, and other net games. There are also benches and drinking fountains throughout the playground.

The Playground for All Children also provides Parks sponsored learning programs. The Gardenature and Nature Crafts Program teach children simple methods of conservation through hands-on activities, and the Arts and Crafts Program is designed to enhance self-expression and creativity. The Sensitization Program helps able-bodied children better understand disabilities, and the After School Program includes board games, arts and crafts, and indoor sports. Sports games include basketball, volleyball, football and a Playground for All Children softball league.

Located in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park near 111th Street and Corona Avenue, the Playground for All Children is open from April to November. In 1993, Parks and Wooden Environment, Inc. installed new swings and play equipment with safety surfacing with a $10,000 grant from the City Parks Foundation. Borough President Claire Shulman has provided funds for a $3,900,000 renovation to maintain the Playground for All Children for future generations.

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