Welcome to the magical world of Common Ground Park in Lakeland, FL. A place where children of all abilities can run free, explore, and embrace the joy of play.
An inclusive playground that serves as a melting pot of imagination, fun, and community spirit, providing a unique experience for every visitor. Intrigued? Let’s dive in and discover what makes this park a beloved gem of Polk County!
Common Ground Park in Lakeland, FL is a unique inclusive playground designed for children of all abilities, with specialty play zones, a sensory-friendly environment, and features such as a fully accessible play structure and zip line.
The park offers amenities for the whole family, including picnic tables, pavilions, BBQ facilities, and restrooms, and caters to different age groups with various age-appropriate play equipment and zones.
Common Ground Park serves as a social and community hub, hosting events, fitness classes, and the Sprouts Program, and provides facilities for private celebrations, with nearby dining options for families.
Nestled in the heart of Lakeland, FL, Common Ground Park is more than just a playground. It’s a vibrant, inclusive space designed to accommodate children of all abilities and ages. The moment you step through the free roaming park gates, you’re welcomed into a world filled with non traditional play areas, lush landscaping, and a welcoming atmosphere that invites exploration and fun.
Inclusivity is a fundamental principle in its design. With a design resembling a butterfly, a symbol of transformation and hope, and was shaped by consultations with parents of children with disabilities in the local community. The goal was to create a space where all children feel welcome and can enjoy an inclusive play experience.
The diverse play areas are a standout feature of Common Ground Park. Each play area is designed for different stages of development, ensuring that every child, regardless of their ability, has a place to play and explore. From a comprehensive playground suitable for children of all abilities to creative play zones where wild kids can run amok in a safe environment, there’s never a dull moment at Common Ground Park.
Equally impressive is the park’s landscaping, featuring custom rock formations, waterfalls, and Florida Friendly plants. This not only contributes to the park’s aesthetic appeal but also enhances its sensory appeal, making the park an immersive experience for all visitors. Imagine the laughter of children running around, the soft rustle of leaves underfoot, and the tranquil sound of water trickling down a rock waterfall. It’s a sensory feast that makes every visit unique and memorable.
At the heart of Common Ground Park lies inclusivity. The park has embraced inclusive design principles such as equitable use, flexibility in use, and simple and intuitive use to ensure that children of all abilities can experience the park’s play areas. This commitment to inclusivity is evident in the variety of play structures available.
The park offers a variety of features that cater to children with varying abilities, including:
A fully accessible play structure for wheelchairs
Spacious tunnels
A platform swing
An accessible zip line
A quiet area
These features ensure that every child, regardless of their physical abilities, can enjoy the park to its fullest.
Moreover, the park offers:
A sensory-friendly environment
Specific areas designed to cater to children with sensory processing needs and autism
Facilitating effective exploration, interaction, and sensory experiences.
A haven for kids of all ages, Common Ground Park offers a variety of play areas tailored for different age groups. The park boasts a fully-equipped playground that features activities like:
jumping
running
sliding
climbing
These areas are designed to be inclusive and appropriate for children of different ages, including early elementary school children.
The park also offers a range of inclusive activities, including:
musical instruments
a fully accessible play structure
an accessible zip line
platform swings
quiet areas
other amenities
This inclusivity fosters an environment where children with and without disabilities can engage in play together.
For older children seeking more challenging play, the park provides a playground specifically designed to cater to their energy and abilities. With activities such as climbing, sliding, and cooperative games, children of all abilities can play side by side, fostering camaraderie and fun.
Not just enjoyable for children, Common Ground Park caters to people of all ages. It offers amenities that cater to the whole family, making it an ideal destination for family outings. The park offers numerous picnic tables and open-air pavilions, as well as BBQ facilities, making it perfect for a family picnic or a BBQ party.
The park also provides shaded spots where families can unwind, appreciate the park’s natural surroundings, or enjoy a meal. And to ensure a pleasant and comfortable visit, the park is furnished with restrooms conveniently situated near the play area. These amenities ensure that every family’s visit to Common Ground Park is not just enjoyable but also comfortable and hassle-free.
Situated at the heart of Common Ground Park is the Common Ground Playground. It serves as the central feature of the park. It’s the epicenter of fun and activity, where children’s laughter and excitement fill the air. Dynamic play equipment that caters to children of all abilities and ages is a feature of the playground.
The playground is equipped with specific play equipment tailored for children between the ages of 5 to 12. This includes:
Challenging climbers
Taller slides
Dynamic net play structures
Exhilarating ziplines
All designed to cater to their developmental needs and abilities.
The playground also features a variety of play area’s zones, including Adventure Canyon and Fossil Beach, along with age-appropriate equipment. These zones are specifically designed to encourage social interaction and offer sensory experiences.
So, whether your child is a wild kid running amok or a tot discovering the joy of play, the Common Ground Playground offers an exciting mix of adventure and fun that kids love. It’s a place where every child, regardless of their ability, can play, explore, and make new friends.
The dynamic play equipment at the Common Ground Playground includes:
Jumping equipment
Running equipment
Sliding equipment
Climbing equipment
This equipment is designed to accommodate children with diverse abilities and disabilities.
Each piece of equipment has been thoughtfully designed, from a fire station-themed play structure to musical instruments and a platform swing. Even more impressive is the playground’s commitment to inclusivity. It incorporates play structures that are specifically crafted for children with disabilities, providing inclusive experiences through accessible play structures for wheelchairs and mobility devices.
From wild kids to tots, the Common Ground Playground is designed to cater to every child’s needs. It features designated play zones for children between the ages of 2 and 12 years old, each equipped with suitable play equipment.
Younger children can enjoy play structures themed as a fire station, which is suitable for children aged 5 to 12 years, while older kids have access to more advanced structures like the fire station-themed play structure and other playground equipment designed to accommodate their age and skills. The park ensures safety by adhering to strict equipment rules, regularly maintaining the equipment and ground surfaces, and guiding children to suitable play zones.
Serving as a social hub for parents and kids, Common Ground Park goes beyond just play. It fosters social interaction by offering an inclusive playground that caters to kids with diverse abilities and includes designated areas and equipment specifically designed to encourage social interaction.
The park also offers The Sprouts Program for younger children, which includes a range of activities such as movement, music, singing, and creative projects. It also hosts various clubs and groups, like the Carol Jenkins Barnett United Way Children’s Resource Center and the local library, serving as a hub for parents and children to connect, engage in social activities, and participate in service projects.
Excited about visiting Common Ground Park? Let’s plan your visit. This section provides all the essential information you need, from directions and parking to the best times to visit and the park’s rules and safety guidelines.
Common Ground Park is situated at 1000 E. Edgewood Drive, Lakeland, FL 33803. It’s easy to find, and the park offers a designated parking area for visitors, ensuring a hassle-free visit.
If you’re using GPS to navigate, the coordinates for Common Ground Park are latitude 28.011699 and longitude -81.944386. These exact coordinates will lead you straight to the park, where ample parking awaits.
Common Ground Park operates from 8 AM to dusk, Monday through Sunday, except for Wednesdays when it opens at 10 AM. To avoid large crowds, it is advisable to visit on weekdays, especially during early morning or late afternoon.
The park is busiest from 8 AM to dusk, Thursday to Tuesday. Scheduling a visit outside of these times, for example, during off-peak weekday mornings or late afternoons, will help you avoid the busiest periods.
During your visit to Common Ground Park, it’s important to adhere to the park’s rules and safety guidelines. Remember, pets, including dogs, are not allowed in the park, and smoking is also prohibited. This is to ensure a pleasant and healthy environment for all park visitors.
Visitors are also required to comply with all playground equipment regulations and ensure that children utilize equipment suitable for their age. Furthermore, it’s imperative that children between the ages of 2 and 12 are constantly supervised by their parents while within the park premises.
Beyond being just a playground, Common Ground Park is a gem in Polk County’s crown. The park is renowned for organizing a range of events that foster community engagement, making it a focal point for community gatherings in Polk County.
The park offers a diverse array of activities and events. From the option to rent pavilions for gatherings to the annual Rotary 5k Twilight Run, there’s always something happening at the park.
Common Ground Park also offers a range of fitness classes and recreational sports leagues for those seeking to engage in physical activities. And for the little ones, the park hosts dedicated events like Family Fridays, offering a variety of engaging activities.
Ideal for hosting celebrations and parties, Common Ground Park serves as more than just a playground. The park provides the option to rent 3 small pavilions and 1 large pavilion for hosting events. To make a reservation, individuals can reach out to the park directly for further details and support.
Whether you’re planning a birthday party, a scout group gathering, or a special event, Common Ground Park offers a flexible venue that can accommodate up to 40 people. It’s a place where memories are made and special moments are celebrated.
Serving as a hub for community engagement, Common Ground Park plays an integral role in the community. Visitors can offer their support by:
Participating in volunteer programs or activities
Attending community events and meetings
Becoming members of local clubs or organizations associated with the park.
The park hosts various community service and fundraising events, like the Rotary 5k Twilight Run. These events not only bring the community together but also support the park’s mission of providing an inclusive play environment for children of all capabilities.
A visit to Common Ground Park with your family offers an unparalleled experience. But to make your visit even more enjoyable, we’ve compiled a list of insider tips and tricks. From packing essentials to navigating the park and dining options, we’ve got you covered.
Remember to pack essential items when planning a family visit to Common Ground Park. These include:
Food
A reusable water bottle
Sunscreen
Snacks
This will ensure that everyone stays energized and protected throughout the day.
In addition to these essentials, if you plan to dine at the park, consider bringing picnic items like blankets, outdoor toys, and a picnic basket filled with your favourite snacks.
Navigation is easy at Common Ground Park. The park is designed to accommodate individuals with disabilities, featuring large, spacious tunnels and flat ramps for easy access.
There’s a map available on the official Lakeland government website, which will assist in planning your visit and ensuring comprehensive exploration of the park’s attractions. The park also features marked trails that allow visitors to easily navigate the area.
You might be craving a bite to eat after a day of play and exploration at Common Ground Park. Luckily, there’s a range of nearby dining options to choose from when you want to eat lunch.
From classic Irish cuisine at 1916 Irish Pub to genuine Italian delicacies at Scarpa’s Italian, there’s something for every palate. And for families, there are several family-friendly dining options like Ford’s Garage and Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant.
In conclusion, Common Ground Park in Lakeland, FL, is an inclusive playground that offers fun, adventure, and community spirit. With its unique design, diverse play areas, and community-centered events, it truly is a gem in Polk County. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, a child or a parent, there’s something for everyone at Common Ground Park. So why wait? Pack your picnic basket, gather your loved ones, and get ready for a day of unforgettable fun and adventure!
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Common Ground Park is open from 8 AM to dusk, Monday through Sunday, with a later opening time of 10 AM on Wednesdays.
Common Ground Park is inclusive for children with disabilities through its fully accessible play structure, spacious tunnels, platform swing, accessible zip line, and quiet area.
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