The idea for the Sensory Garden Playground began when an Occupational Therapist from the Wheaton Kiwanis Club recognized the need for an accessible and autism-friendly playground for children. She approached the Wheaton Park District (WPD) and the Western DuPage Special Recreation Association (WDSRA) to explore how such a space could be created.
From this initial conversation, the Wheaton Kiwanis Club, Wheaton Park District, and WDSRA joined together to form the Play for All Playground and Garden Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to making the vision a reality. Because the playground would be located on the Danada Forest Preserve property, the partners adopted a horse theme inspired by Dan and Ada Rice, who once raised thoroughbred horses on the land.
 2014 Ribbon Cutting; Credit: Sensory Garden Playground |
Established in 2014, the Play for All Playground & Garden Foundation’s mission is to create barrier-free and universally accessible outdoor play spaces and gardens throughout DuPage County. The foundation is made up of recreation and inclusive play experts, along with representatives from several community organizations including Western DuPage Special Recreation Association, Wheaton Park District, Rotary Club of Wheaton AM, Kiwanis Club of Wheaton, Science of Spirituality, and the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County.
The playground is built entirely through philanthropic support, including community donations, grants, and fundraising efforts.
Today, the playground features a wide variety of inclusive play opportunities including an accessible treehouse, gravity rail, playground areas designed for children ages 2–5 and 5–12, swings, sound and fragrance gardens, interactive art installations, a central gathering area, and a GT Wave Climber.
The Sensory Garden Playground is a free public playground and park that primarily serves families from DuPage County, welcoming more than 20,000 visitors each year.
We hope to see you at the playground!
📍Sensory Garden Playground
2751 International Drive
Lisle, IL 60532
