An inclusive playground in Overland Park is opening at the Blue Valley Rec Sports Complex by Fields 3-4 (SW corner of 137th St. and Antioch). On Oct. 13, Blue Valley Rec and Variety KC will celebrate the ribbon cutting of Brody Rea’s Boundless Playground designed so children and families of all abilities can play, explore, and connect. The playground will be open to the public starting Oct. 14 from dawn until dusk.
Created through a partnership with Blue Valley Rec, Variety KC, Cunningham Recreation, and the Michael & Brandy Rea Family Foundation, Brody Rea’s Boundless Playground goes beyond simply providing accessible equipment. Every part of the space thoughtfully encourages movement, independence, social interaction, and fun.
Designed So Everyone Can Belong
Playgrounds are places where friendships begin, confidence grows, and kids discover just how much they can do. The space ensures everyone can enjoy these experiences. The playground includes a variety of inclusive and accessible features that allow children with different physical, sensory, and cognitive abilities to play alongside their siblings and friends.
Features include:
- Inclusive swings designed to accommodate different abilities and support needs
- Ground-level play features that provide accessible ways to explore and participate
- Poured-in-place surfacing that makes it easier to navigate the playground using wheelchairs and other mobility devices
- Connected accessible pathways throughout the play area
- Sensory-rich activities and music stations that encourage exploration through sound, touch and movement
- Quiet sensory retreat areas where children can take a break from the activity around them
- Supportive entry and transfer options that provide more ways for children to independently access play equipment
- Group play areas designed to encourage children to interact, make friends and play together
- Fencing around the entire area for safety
- Fully accessible restrooms with adult changing tables
- Shaded areas throughout the space
The result is a playground where children can experience swinging, sliding, climbing, spinning, balancing and other forms of active play in ways that work for them.
Play Without Limits
The playground is named for Brody Rea, whose love of movement helped inspire the project. For the Rea family, the playground represents a larger idea that children shouldn’t have to watch from the sidelines because a play space wasn’t designed with them in mind.
That same idea is reflected throughout the playground. Rather than creating a separate accessible area, inclusive play opportunities are incorporated throughout the space. Children with different abilities can share experiences instead of being separated by the design of the playground. It’s a place where a child can play alongside a sibling. Where friends with different abilities can explore together. And where families can spend time together without having to wonder whether everyone will be able to participate.
More Than a Playground
Brody Rea’s Boundless Playground represents something bigger than new equipment at the Sports Complex. It’s about creating a community where recreation belongs to everyone.
At Blue Valley Rec, we believe recreation should provide opportunities to enjoy clean, safe fun while growing and connect with others. This playground brings those ideas together in one space by giving children more opportunities to discover their own fun while families build connections and share experiences.
And maybe the best measure of its success will be something very simple. Kids won’t be thinking about whether the playground is inclusive. They’ll just be playing.
Come Experience Brody Rea’s Boundless Playground
We can’t wait for families to experience this incredible new addition to our community. The playground will be open to the public from dawn until dusk starting Oct. 14. Come swing, climb, explore, and play.
Because fun should have no boundaries.