DREAM Playground opens inclusive play space for Summit County and beyond

by Kim Garred

What began as the dream of one Hudson family has transformed into a shared play sanctuary for the entire community … and region.

Hudson’s newly opened DREAM Playground is Summit County’s first fully inclusive play space, designed to ensure that children and adults of all physical, sensory and developmental capabilities can play, connect and belong together. The park was born from the vision of resident Megan Higgins, whose daughter, Isabella, has a rare genetic disorder that limits her mobility.

When Isabella reached park-going age, Megan quickly realized how few recreational options there were where her daughter could play seamlessly alongside her peers. Determined to change that reality, she sparked a movement that created the Hudson Inclusive Playground nonprofit and brought together the Hudson Park Board, the city of Hudson, city council, local civic groups and generous community donors.

Today, the DREAM Playground draws families from nearby towns like Stow, Streetsboro and Solon, as well as visitors from across Ohio and has earned distinction as a PlayCore National Demonstration Site for communities aiming to build truly accessible play spaces.

Photo caption: Megan Higgins (top right) at Hudson’s newly minted DREAM Playground with her daughter, Isabella, who inspired the inclusive play project. Also relishing the playspace on a sunny weekend are (counterclockwise from top left) Isabel, 5; Emmanuel, 9; Cormac, 4; and Owen, 3. Located at Oak Grove Park, the Dream Playgound is the first of it kind in the county. All Photos by K. Garred.