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Colorful shade pavilion next to the Ryan Gray Playground for All Children in Lawrence
VerifiedFixed locationAll-abilities parks

Ryan Gray Playground for All Children

Hillcrest Elementary, Lawrence, KS

Historic fully accessible community playground at Hillcrest Elementary with a circular layout, shared play structures, Braille-inclusive signage, and new adjacent shade seating.
Editorial Review

Why included

One of the most important inclusive-play stops in Kansas: smaller than a giant destination park, but historically significant and meaningfully designed for shared access.

What we verified

  • name
  • address
  • city
  • general operating status

What remains unknown

  • Current operating hours or season

Profile updated August 3, 2026; source check April 11, 2026. Confirm current park hours, construction closures, restroom availability, and the specific accessibility features your family needs before making a special trip.

Plan This Visit

Price

Free outdoor community playground.

Profile

Strong profile coverage

Atlas Perspective

Editor's Take

One of the most important inclusive-play stops in Kansas: smaller than a giant destination park, but historically significant and meaningfully designed for shared access.

At a Glance

Venue type

All-abilities park

Age groups

ToddlersPreschoolersBig kidsMixed ages

Mobility features

Ground-level play

Sensory and communication features

Tactile play

Family amenities

ShadeSeatingPicnic tables

Safety and comfort

Clear sightlines

Shade level

Partial shade

Accessibility supports

Braille or symbol support

Operator type

School or community

Visit options

Free entry

Toddler-friendly

Yes

Verified only

Yes

Plan Your Visit

WeatherOutdoor visit; comfort depends on season and school-site conditions.
Facilities
Shade pavilionPicnic benchesSchool-campus playground setting
Stay LengthUsually best for a short to moderate playground stop.
What To Bring
WaterSun protection for uncovered areasAny mobility or communication supports your child already uses
Parking NotesOn-site parking details were not clearly published in the sources reviewed.

Pricing Snapshot

SummaryFree outdoor community playground.
AdmissionNo admission fee was found in public sources.

About the Venue

Ryan Gray Playground for All Children is a landmark accessible playground in Lawrence and is widely described as the first fully accessible playground in Kansas. The playground sits at Hillcrest Elementary and uses a circular layout intended to support children playing together rather than apart. Publicly available descriptions confirm accessible design, Braille directions on signs and panels, and a 2023 shade pavilion with picnic seating beside the play area. It is a strong fit for families looking for a meaningful local inclusive-play stop with school-community roots.

Accessibility & Comfort

These details reflect published sources and dated reports, not an ADA inspection. Confirm the specific supports and barriers that matter for your visit.

SummaryPublic descriptions identify this as a fully accessible playground.
Known Features
Fully accessible community playgroundCircular layout that supports shared playBraille directions on signs and panelsAdjacent shade pavilion with seating
Considerations
Detailed current equipment inventory was not clearly published on the sources reviewed.Surfacing type was not explicitly confirmed in the sources reviewed.
Braille or symbol support

Gallery

Ryan Gray Playground pavilion with playground behind it
The new shade pavilion sits beside the accessible playground.
Child running in front of the pavilion at Ryan Gray Playground
The pavilion frames existing signage and adds needed shade near the play area.
Aerial view of Ryan Gray Playground and colorful roof structure
An overhead view shows the circular playground footprint and adjacent pavilion.
Children playing near rain garden and playground
The adjacent rain garden adds a bit of landscape interaction next to the playground.

External Links

FacebookWebsiteDirections

Nearby Alternatives

Use these nearby profiles to contrast fit, coverage, and planning details around Lawrence and the wider Lawrence area.

L

Lyons Park Splash Pad

Lawrence, KS

Free city splash pad at Lyons Park with interactive water features and spray jets for warm-weather sensory play.

Quick Summary

Price

Free outdoor community playground.

Profile

Strong profile coverage

Contact Information

Address

1045 Hilltop Dr

Lawrence, KS, 66044

Location
KansasLawrenceLawrence, KS
Source & Verification

Last updated

August 3, 2026

Verification summary

Last verified: April 11, 2026

Checked against 3 public sources.

This profile summarizes published information and dated reports. It is not an ADA inspection or an individualized accessibility assessment.

Reviewed as

Municipal source review

What Changed

April 11, 2026

Created listing from Lawrence tourism and KU accessibility/design sources.

Keep Exploring This Area

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Lawrence City PageLawrence Region PageKansas State PageBrowse All Cities

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