PCM301131
Triple Tower with Ramps
- +2
2 - 5 Years
1295 ft2
63 Users
Customer Case
A Playground for Katie and Friends
Remedy Through Play
A Playground for Katie and Friends is an inclusive playground that’s been cherished by Virginian families for more than 20 years. Originally opened in 2003, its ramp structures, swings, and play panels were groundbreaking for Chesterfield County. After witnessing the therapeutic power of play for her own daughter, the playground was the fruition of a local mom’s unshakeable pursuit to bring those restorative benefits to every child in the community.
Years later when the time came to renovate the beloved playground, the County worked with KOMPAN to revitalize the popular park. Today, a new inclusive playground, rooted in universal design principles, serves the same purpose for a new generation in Chesterfield County.
While her daughter, Katie, recovered from a major brain operation at the hospital, Jane Warrick noticed her child resisted the exercises done inside the physical therapy office, but lit up on the outdoor playground. Once they returned home, Jane wanted to take Katie outside to find the same fun and joy at their local playgrounds, but she quickly discovered they weren't accessible to Katie.
Jane worked with the Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation Department to bring inclusive play to the community. In a three-year process of creating a nonprofit, learning how to write grants, and the County's contributions, the funds for the playground were raised! A Playground for Katie and Friends opened on October 25, 2003. The inclusive playground had accessible equipment for all children to enjoy, but the mulch surfacing was difficult to navigate for children in mobility devices.
For its 2025 renovation, Chesterfield County prioritized rubber poured-in-place (PIP) surfacing so all children could access all areas of the playground. With a new ramp structure, sensory play options, and plentiful benches, this second phase of A Playground for Katie and Friends creates a more inclusive, comfortable play environment for all.
“This inclusive play space will create lasting play experiences for the next generation of children. We are proud of our relationship with KOMPAN, who has been an invaluable partner in developing play for all ages and abilities.”"
Stuart Connock - Assistant Director, Planning and Construction Services, Chesterfield County Parks & Recreation
Same Safe Haven of Play, Made Universally Inclusive
A Play Tower with Ramp lets all users enjoy tactile play on its panels and the fun found on the slide. A Universal Carousel invites everyone to spin together, and its wide entrance makes it easily accessible. A Cocowave Pendulum Swing and Supernova offer thrilling spinning and swinging for users to enjoy, solo or with others. A swing set, featuring a basket swing seat, supports users of all mobility capabilities. The Duo Climber's ropes, ladders, and climbing wall bring variety to climbing, and the Play House, sitting atop the hill, offers the best view. Musical play instruments, sensory play panels, and sand play can be found throughout the play space.
Rubber PIP surfacing allows everyone to navigate the playground more easily, and benches placed throughout support caretaker's use of the space.
“This is all about acceptance. No matter what age, no matter what ability—that’s what my goal was [22 years ago], and that’s what I’m seeing here today.”
- Jane Warrick, Katie's mom
Physical
Joy of movement: motor skills, muscle, cardio and bone density
Cognitive
Joy of learning: curiosity, understanding of causal relationships and knowledge of the world
Social-Emotional
Joy of being together: teamwork, tolerance and sense of belonging
Creative
Joy of creating: co-creation and experimenting with materials
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