Brody’s Boundless Playground, a new play space at the Blue Valley Recreation Sports Complex in central Overland Park, is a place for all kids to come and play.
Named for Brody Rea, a teenage boy with special needs whose parents helped bring the vision to life, the inclusive playground officially opened this week with a celebration hosted by Blue Valley Recreation, the Rea Family Foundation and Variety KC.
“We are so passionate about being part of this incredible project because we wanted to help create a place where children like Brody can play alongside peers, make memories, build friendships, and experience the simple joy of just being a kid without limitations,” said Brandy Rea, Brody’s mom. “A place where every child is celebrated and everyone belongs.”
Dozens of kids helped christen the playground with hours of fun after a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday.
Brody’s Boundless Playground is inclusively designed
The new playground has a mix of accessible features, including wheelchair-friendly jungle gym equipment with wide ramps, ground-level play areas and sensory-friendly zones. It also has flat surfaces that are mobility-aid friendly and accessible restroom facilities.
“This is much more than just a playground or a park,” Variety KC CEO Marc Harrell said. “Boundless means no barriers, no edges, no ceiling, no sideline.”
Plus, there is a whole row of inclusive swings, a nod to what Brandy Rea said is her son Brody’s favorite piece of playground equipment.
“When a child cannot get on a playground, they do not just miss a swing. They miss the friendships that happen when they swing,” Harrell said. “When a child uses a wheelchair and a child who does not use a wheelchair swing side by side, both of them learn something.”
Inclusive playground has been in the works for years
Construction on the multimillion-dollar playground kicked off earlier this year on the site of a decommissioned baseball field at the Blue Valley Recreation Sports Complex, but it had been in the works for quite some time.
Shane DeWald, executive director of the recreation commission, said talks to build the playground began about three years ago, and it’s been exciting “to see it come to life.”
Take a closer look at Brody’s Boundless Playground:
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