Every child, regardless of ability, deserves a safe and accessible environment to learn and grow. Conceived as a response to this idea, a new and completely accessible playground at NorthField Church in Gallatin is slated to open to the public on Monday, August 21.

The concept for the playground, as well as its accessible design, was borne out of NorthField Church’s continuing commitment to supporting the developmentally, intellectually, and physically disabled. 

Northfield has a history of supporting this community. They collaborate regularly with the Special Needs Sports Foundation and Gigi's Playhouse to host events such as the annual Night to Shine, a prom night experience sponsored by the Tim Tebow Association. As Laura Lambert, Marketing and Communications Director for NorthField Church describes, “We saw a need for a place for families to gather and play safely, so we thought if we were going to do it, we wanted to do it right and make sure we were able to serve every child regardless of ability.”

As Northfield was in the beginning stages of planning for the construction of the playground, it gained an unexpected partner in the Susan G. Nokes Foundation. Inspired by Ms. Nokes’ nephew, Brett Nokes, a young man who experienced the challenges presented by conventional playgrounds in his youth, the foundation provided generous funding in addition to garnering the community support necessary to build the playground at NorthField.

The newly constructed playground boasts incredible equipment that is sure to entertain children of all abilities. It includes accessible swing sets, slides with lower entrances, sensory slides, equipped for children to hear and feel as they move down the slide ramps, and slides that are designed for children with cochlear implants to reduce the static and friction experienced on normal slides.

NorthField Church and the Susan G. Nokes Foundation invite the community to celebrate the grand opening of the Playground at NorthField on Monday, August 21. Through the establishment of this groundbreaking facility, they hope to inspire the community with the spirit of inclusion and acceptance and serve as a reminder that all children deserve the same access to fun and creative play opportunities.