The first fully inclusive playground in the Antelope Valley in Los Angeles County features full, accessible rubber surfacing and activities accessible to children of all abilities.

Not all parks are the same and not all playgrounds are accessible to all. Fortunately, a growing number of park and recreation agencies are creating more inclusive parks and playgrounds. Most recently, the city of Palmdale dedicated and opened Courtney’s Playground at Marie Kerr Park. The 1,834-square-foot playground and 574-square-foot music area were designed with the assistance of Greg and Joanne Triana, who approached the city about two years ago about doing something to honor their late daughter, Courtney Ann Triana. A dedication sign on the playground features images of butterflies and a bird and photos of Courtney.
The playground offers the following amenities:
- Full, Accessible Rubber Surfacing. Resilient, unitary surfacing flush to the surrounding grade provides accessible routes of travel throughout every area of the play space.
- Ramped Structure. Ramps increase usability for people of all ages and abilities and allow individuals utilizing mobility device physical access to meaningful play.
- Rock N Raft. This unique play feature ensures individuals using mobility devices can enjoy a sensory-rich rocking experience with family and friends.
- Inclusive Whirl. Universally designed with zero-entry to support cooperative and social play.
- Musical instruments. Music offers developmentally appropriate opportunities for intergenerational users to express their creativity and contribute to the sounds of the environment.
To learn more about the playground, please read the source article and information on the city's website.
FULL STORY: Courtney’s Playground opens at Marie Kerr Park

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie