Play is how children learn. During play, they experiment, test limits, engage with peers, and explore their world. A family in Berthoud, Colorado had a dream for five years. They wanted a playground where their son, Miles Bowling, would be able to play just like any other child. Parents want their children to enjoy those moments on a playground, laughing and having fun.
That dream became a reality earlier this month when S’Miles Playground opened. The playground was built with a simple mission: that every child deserves to play!
Accessibility is often seen as a luxury. For disabled people, accessibility means everything. Disabled children learn very quickly what it feels like to be left out because they cannot participate.
I have cerebral palsy and, as a child, swinging at the playground was one of my favorite activities. Being able to swing doesn’t rely on balance or physical strength. I felt free, like I was flying.
Miles was used to sitting on the sidelines while watching his twin brother Mac play on the playground. It left him sad and frustrated. The nearest accessible playground was nearly an hour’s drive away.
Lauren recalls exactly when the idea struck her. One day after coming home from the playground, Miles was sullen. Miles confided in her, telling her how much he wished he could play like his brothers.
They began with a lemonade stand to help raise a few thousand dollars. But what blossomed from that was an effort much larger than anyone imagined. In just 2 days, they raised $11,000.
With this generous support, builders were able to work hand-in-hand with Miles and his family to ensure every last detail of the playground design reflected his unique needs, including ramps, ground-level activities, and an accessible swing he could utilize independently.
For disabled children, inclusive play influences development. It also fosters confidence and helps build friendships. And for me, playing was how I learned how to be part of the world.
In preschool, I used a toy to become more comfortable with a suction machine. One of my classmates had a tracheostomy and required regular suctioning. The sound of the machine used to startle me, and practicing on a teddy bear made me feel more comfortable with the sound.
When the playground opened, Miles rolled toward the accessible swing, smiling. Mac joined him moments later. For the first time, the twins played together on the playground. As the two brothers swung together, the moment settled into something quiet and steady. It looked simple from the outside. It was a scene that plays out all over the world. It was just two boys on the swings. But it carried the weight of everything that had come before.
And in that ordinary scene, the meaning of inclusion was embodied. Inclusion shows up in small moments: a shared laugh, a turn taken without hesitation, and a swing that fits everybody that wants to use it.
Sources:
Dhenin, Marianne. “Playgrounds for All.” Stanford Social Innovation Review, vol. 19, no. 4, Fall 2021, pp. 11–12. https://doi.org/10.48558/V7AX-6N90.
Jha, Rhea. “Berthoud’s First Inclusive Public Playground Opens after Five-Year Community Effort.” 9NEWS, 6 Sept. 2026, https://www.9news.com/article/news/community/berthouds-first-inclusive-public-playground-opens-after-five-year-community-effort/73-89a357a1-8cad-4070-979f-b436f31f5991.
Palumbo, Jennifer Jay. “Inclusive Play and Why Access Matters More Than We Admit.” Forbes, 23 Dec. 2025, https://www.forbes.com/sites/jenniferpalumbo/2025/12/23/inclusive-play-and-why-access-matters-more-than-we-admit/.
Choi, Peter. “Berthoud Family’s Five-Year Dream Becomes Reality with an Inclusive Playground.” Denver7, 9 Sept. 2026, https://www.denver7.com/news/local-news/in-your-community/northern-colorado/berthoud-familys-five-year-dream-becomes-reality-with-an-inclusive-playground.