About This Playground

🌳 Barnes Family Inclusive Playground is a state-of-the-art inclusive playground in Oskaloosa, Iowa, designed to provide play opportunities for children of all abilities. The playground features universally accessible equipment and thoughtful design to create an inclusive environment where all children can play together.

Visitor Experience: The playground receives overwhelmingly positive reviews from families, with particular praise for its inclusive design, variety of play equipment, and clean facilities. Many parents of children with disabilities appreciate the thoughtful accommodations that allow their children to play alongside peers.>

More about this playground

Playground Type

Point of interest Establishment Wheelchair Accessible Indoor Play Ages 0-12

Address

2500 Duff Ave, Ames, IA 50010, USA

Coordinates

42.04695, -93.61272

Playground Features

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Age Suitability

Designed for children of all ages, with separate zones for toddlers (2-5) and older children (5-12), allowing appropriate play experiences for different developmental stages.

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Equipment Available

Features wheelchair-accessible merry-go-round, sensory panels, musical instruments, adaptive swings, ramp-accessible play structures, roller slides, climbing structures, and communication boards for non-verbal children.

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Shaded Areas

Multiple shade structures are strategically placed throughout the playground, with additional natural shade from mature trees around the perimeter.

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Seating For Parents

Ample seating is available including benches throughout the playground and picnic tables under shade structures, with some seating designed to accommodate adults with mobility devices.

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Restroom Availability

ADA-compliant restroom facilities are available on-site with family restrooms and changing tables.

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Drinking Fountains

Multiple accessible drinking fountains are located throughout the park, including lower fountains for wheelchair users and bottle filling stations.

Safety Accessibility

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Fencing

The playground is partially fenced with clear boundaries and designated entry/exit points to help keep children safe while playing.

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Surface Material

Features poured-in-place rubber surfacing throughout, providing wheelchair accessibility and impact absorption for safety.

Ada Accessibility

Fully ADA compliant with wheelchair-accessible paths connecting all play areas, ramps to elevated structures, and transfer stations for children to move between various play elements.

Cleanliness Maintenance

The playground is well-maintained with regular cleaning schedules, prompt repairs, and seasonal maintenance checks to ensure all equipment remains in excellent condition.

Additional Amenities

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Nearby Parking

Large parking lot with multiple designated accessible parking spaces located close to the playground entrance.

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Pet Policy

Dogs are allowed in designated areas of the surrounding park but not within the playground area, with the exception of service animals.

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Bike Racks

Several bike racks are available near the playground entrance to encourage active transportation.

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Nearby Food Options

Picnic areas with tables are available for families bringing their own food. The park is also within walking distance of several restaurants in downtown Oskaloosa.

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Sports Areas

The larger park complex includes basketball courts, soccer fields, and a baseball diamond.

Walking / Biking Trails Nearby

Connected to Oskaloosa's trail system with paved walking paths circling the playground and extending throughout the larger park area.

Community Reviews

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User Submitted Photos

The playground's social media pages feature numerous user-submitted photos showing children of all abilities enjoying the equipment.

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Recent Reviews

Recent reviews highlight the playground's cleanliness, thoughtful design, and the positive impact it has had on families with children who have disabilities.

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Crowd Levels

Busiest on weekends and summer afternoons; weekday mornings tend to be less crowded.

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Special Events

The playground hosts regular inclusive events including sensory-friendly play days, community celebrations, and seasonal activities.

User Experience

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Entrance Fee

Free admission for all visitors.

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Space For Groups

The playground and surrounding park area can accommodate large groups, with pavilions available for reservation for birthday parties or group gatherings.

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Nature Connection

The playground incorporates natural elements including native plantings, nature-inspired play structures, and opportunities for sensory exploration with natural materials.

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Noise Level

Moderate noise levels typical of an active playground, with some quieter areas designated for children who may be sensitive to excessive noise.

Aesthetic Design

Thoughtfully designed with bright colors, engaging textures, and artistic elements that make the space visually appealing while providing multiple play opportunities.

Safety Regulations

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Security Presence

Regular patrols by park staff and local police ensure safety; emergency call boxes are located within the park.

Rules Restrictions

Clear signage indicates age-appropriate areas, proper use of equipment, and playground hours (open dawn to dusk).

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First Aid Availability

First aid kits are available at the park office, and staff are trained in basic first aid response.

Community Interaction

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Community Activities

The playground serves as a community hub hosting inclusive events, play groups, and seasonal celebrations that bring together children of all abilities.

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Social Interaction

Designed to promote cooperative play and interaction between children of different abilities, with equipment that encourages collaborative play experiences.

Sustainability Environment

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Eco Friendly Practices

Features sustainable landscaping with native plants that require minimal water, solar-powered lighting, and recycling stations throughout the park.

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Renewable Energy

Solar panels power some playground features and park lighting.

Walkability Bike Access

Well-connected to community sidewalks and bike paths, with bike racks and pedestrian-friendly design to encourage non-vehicular transportation.

Reviews

4.9
(47.0)
C

China Rose

2 years ago

Great place to play and explore. Really nice. Lots of space. Soft cushion padded ground cover. Lots of rides to energize the kids and create curiosity.

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B

Becky Acheson

a year ago

Such a fun park! So much to do. Highly recommend.

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M

Maruf Ahamed

a year ago

Best place for the kids and family. But, I was surprised to see the fall colors around this park.

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R

rando vids

9 months ago

Great park. A variety of playground equipment for all ages and abilities . Nice and clean well kept. large ADA bathrooms

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K

K

2 years ago

This park is the most amazing community park I've every been too. Wheelchair accessible, sensory walls, and so much more. I love that it's partially gated so that kids can't wander into the woods in the back. There's lots of picnic tables and benches throughout as well so you can move around with your kids.

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