Because of the concern and effort of many people, Ashley Nicole’s Dream Playground is a reality. This is Knoxville’s only major fully accessible playground.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony for Phase 1 of the playground was held on June 29, 2005. The beautiful new 11,000-square-foot playground consists of three major structures and a creative addition called Sway Fun that allows children in wheelchairs to play alongside other children without getting out of their chairs.

The structures include the Ship, the Fort, and the Playhouse. There are also restroom facilities and a covered pavilion with picnic tables and a water fountain. The entire playground surface is covered by a thick, cushioned, very colorful rubberized surface that allows children with and without disabilities to go safely wherever they want to go. Each structure has ramps and transfer stations for easy access to diverse, creative play opportunities.

In November 2005, the Tennessee Recreation and Parks Association named the City of Knoxville's Ashley Nicole Dream Playground as the Best New Facility in 2005. The Four Star Award is the highest honor the association bestows upon a recreational agency.

The park is located at 620 Winona in Caswell Park, just off Magnolia Avenue near where the old Bill Meyer Stadium stood and near the new YMCA. Directions to the playground are to take I-40 to Cherry Street Exit. Go east on Cherry Street toward Magnolia Avenue and turn right at the traffic light on Washington Avenue. Then turn left at the traffic light on Winona. The playground is on the right, just across from the ballparks.

Fund raising is continuing for Phase 2 of the playground, which will consist of swings, another play structure called the Raceway, and the butterfly and herb gardens. The commemorative bricks that about 85 people bought will be included in the gardens. We hope to complete the playground by summer 2006.

If you have questions, want to make a donation, or are interested in helping in some way, contact us any of the members of the committee or the Disability Resource Center.