Living in Cleveland: Preston’s Hope

Lynette recently left a comment on my blog because her family is relocating to Cleveland and she wants to know more about our fabulous city.

I’ve promised to share a few of my favorite hang-outs, and the family destination of the day is Preston’s Hope Playground in Beachwood, Ohio.

As you may recall, Baby is not all that fond of swings, but I can’t wait to take him to the park this summer. He is walking more and more each day and I can just imagine him running to and fro and falling face-first into a pile of mulch.

Aaaaah, the joys of summer.

I’m looking forward to a family-outing at this amazing playground. Preston’s Hope is a 60,000 square foot playground that is entirely accessible to children with a wide range of abilities and disabilities. The playground is free and open to the public. It’s location is easily accessible from all communities in the Cleveland metro area.

Imagination Village is a wondrous place for kids to explore, filled with child-size houses and stores. Little ones can ride bikes through the winding streets of the town. Some accessible features of the village include large windows in the houses and stores that allow parents of hearing-impaired children to communicate visually with their kids using sign language while they play inside.

The playground has a variety of slides, ramps and bridges that allow kids to run and explore. Broad ramps throughout the park allow youngsters in wheel chairs to participate in the fun. The slides are equipped with transfer decks that allow children in wheelchairs to be helped onto the equipment. There are also learning stations throughout the playground that teach kids Braille.

The playground offers separate play areas with appropriate equipment for preschool and school age children.
The Water and Sand play area is a great place to dig for dinosaur bones, ride a safari jeep, or play with water and sand.
The Play Theater offers a venue for your young Shakespeare to practice his acting skills for an enthralled parent audience.
Best of all, there is a public pavilion offering shade for parents and grandparents and the park features clean restroom facilities. What more does a family need?

Maybe a picnic lunch…