Major outdoor park developments based on Universal Design principles

ACTServices Inc. is a US-based accessibility consulting firm. Since 2010, ACTServices has made two local parks accessible: Forest Glen Park (Illinois) and The Gathering Place (Oklahoma), considering especially children’s ability to experience the park and nature in general.

ACTServices Inc. is a US-based accessibility consulting firm that specializes in creating accessible and inclusive parks and outdoor entertainment facilities. Since 2010, ACTServices has made two national parks accessible: Forest Glen Park (Illinois) and The Gathering Place (Oklahoma), considering especially children’s ability to experience the park and nature in general. These parks have influenced other park planners and have won numerous awards, such as ‘USA Today’s Best New Attraction’ and ‘Time Kids Magazine Worlds Coolest Places, 2019.’

Problems Targeted

Parks and recreational spaces often lack accessible features and services that could give children and adults with disabilities the opportunities to enjoy leisure activities.

Solution, Innovation and Impact

Accessibility Consultation and Training Services (ACTServices) is a consulting firm that specializes in accessibility of museum exhibits, recreational spaces, and applying Universal Design principles. The firm works with people with various disabilities, the parents of children with a disability, and professionals such as special education teachers, recreational therapist, physical therapist, etc. ACTServices has worked with two parks in the United States: the Forest Glen Park, a two-acre, universally designed park in Woodridge, Illinois; and The Gathering Place, a 100-acre open-space riverfront park in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Through the collaboration of architects, city planners, and people with disabilities, Forest Glen Park incorporated features such as walkways with gentle slopes and accessible playground surfaces for wheelchairs. The Gathering Place includes, among other features, accessible restrooms, walkways, play areas, and desensitization spaces. The park has received many awards and is recognized by National Geographic as one of the 12 “mind-bending” playgrounds worldwide.

Funding, Outlook and Transferability

The Forest Glen Park received a grant from the Kellogg Foundation as part of its Access to Recreation programme. The grant covered all aspects of the park’s development and its play elements. The Gathering Place was a huge investment of $465 million, funded by the Kaiser Foundation and other individual donations. The two parks are a proof of how universally designed and accessible park development and recreational facilities can be replicated anywhere.

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THE STORY OF EMEKA NNAKA, CONSULTANT AND VOLUNTEER AT GATHERING PLACE, A COMMUNITY PARK

“Whenever I get to the park, I don’t feel like I have any barriers.”

My name is Emeka Nnaka and I’m a 34-year-old inspirational speaker in Tulsa. When I was 21, I injured my neck in a football accident and became paralyzed. Since then I have been an advocate for hope. I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation Services from Langston University and a Master’s degree in Human Relations and Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Oklahoma. Gathering Place is a community park unlike any other in Tulsa. It’s all about accessibility. The park was designed to bring all Tulsans together regardless of their background. Whenever I go to the park I don’t feel like I have any barriers. I can move around independently, and I don’t feel blocked. Before the park opened, consultants visited the Center for Individuals with Physical Challenges in Tulsa and asked for volunteers to tour the park and provide experiential feedback. I participated, and checked button placement and ensured that items were at the correct level for someone like me in a powerchair. I work with a local youth shelter and bring kids to the park. Many of these kids are homeless or at-risk teenagers in our community. When I go to the park my favourite thing to do is watch the kids run, jump, and have fun.