Natalie Mackay founded the nonprofit Unlimited Play in 2003 with a simple goal: to remove the barriers that her son Zachary faced at the playground. Zachary lived with Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease, which required the use of a wheelchair, preventing his ability to play with other kids at the park.
Mackay wished for a space in which her son could play without limitation and where all children’s differences could be celebrated. After years of fundraising, she made it herself: In 2007, Unlimited Play opened its inaugural Zachary’s Playground in Lake Saint Louis. Sadly, Zachary passed away in 2021, but Mackay hasn’t relented in her mission to bring accessible play to kids across the U.S.
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Now with more than 100 inclusive playgrounds nationwide, including several across the metro area, Unlimited Play will open its newest venture, Teddy and Friends Inclusive Playground, in Queeny Park (1675 S. Mason) on August 24. Inspired by Theodore (Teddy) Gooch, a 9-year-old born with a form of dwarfism called achondroplasia, the playground features a whimsical game-board theme and thoughtfully crafted design.
Teddy’s mom approached Unlimited Play after the family first visited an accessible playground that Unlimited Play built in the metro area. Teddy called the day his best ever, because he was able to play independently with his friends. Soon thereafter, his mom set out to bring something similar closer to their home. Says the Gooch family, “If we build it, they will all come.”
“That’s the heart of what we do,” Mackay says. “When families arrive and see their kids laughing, climbing, and connecting—regardless of ability—that’s when I know we’ve done something truly special.”
Mackay recently shared more about the playground.
What were the top design priorities when developing the Teddy and Friends Playground? Our No. 1 priority was true inclusion—a space where children of all abilities can play side by side with dignity, independence, and joy. At the same time, we wanted to design something undeniably fun, which led to the vibrant game-board theme. Teddy, who has dwarfism, inspired us to think creatively about proportion and access. For example, we modified climbers like the Connect 4 structure by adding handholds at varying heights and adjusted activity panels for easier reach.
How did you balance imaginative play—such as the game-board theme—with the need for full accessibility and safety? Our goal is always to prove that inclusion and imagination can—and should—go hand in hand. Every themed element was carefully designed to be both whimsical and usable by children with varying abilities. For instance, the Hungry Hungry Hippo entryway adds playful visual impact, but it also features wide, smooth access paths. We use inclusive surfacing, graduated climbing options, sensory panels, and thoughtful layout choices to ensure both fun and functionality for every child.
What specific design elements were incorporated to accommodate children with mobility or sensory needs? We’ve included a variety of features to ensure accessibility across a wide range of needs:
- We used the site’s natural grade to bring individuals using mobility devices to the top of the structure—where play happens, not just observation.
- Sensory-rich activities, such as spinning, swinging, and climbing, meet the needs of children with autism and sensory-processing differences.
- Quiet, cozy retreat spaces offer a calming alternative for children who become overstimulated.
- We’ve incorporated communication boards and contrasting colors for visual guidance, and we’ve worked hard to make progress on inclusive design for children with visual or hearing impairments.
How did the collaboration with Teddy’s family influence design and construction choices? We always say, The families are the experts. Teddy and his family were involved from the beginning, helping us understand what kinds of features would reflect his personality and be meaningful to him and others like him. We also worked closely with local schools and families of children with autism and other disabilities to better understand sensory needs, inclusive features, and what real inclusion feels like. Their voices shaped both the vision and the details.
In your experience, how has inclusive playground design evolved over the years in the St. Louis area, and where does Teddy’s Playground fit in that evolution? Inclusive play in the St. Louis area was truly led by the first Unlimited Play playground—Zachary’s Playground, inspired by my son. That project not only changed the landscape of play locally; it helped set a national standard for what inclusion in parks can and should look like. Over the past two decades, technology and understanding have both come a long way. Back then, the focus was largely on wheelchair accessibility. Today, that’s become the minimum standard. We now know that truly inclusive play goes far beyond access—it’s about creating rich, engaging environments that support physical, sensory, cognitive, and social inclusion. We’ve learned how to better use color, sound, and texture to engage all senses. We incorporate products like flush-mounted merry-go-rounds and interactive features that invite all children to participate together. Teddy’s Playground reflects the best of this evolution, showing how far we’ve come and where we’re heading as we continue to redefine what it means to build spaces where everyone belongs.
What part of the playground are you personally most proud of, and what do you hope families notice or appreciate when they visit? I’m proud that this is a destination playground—a place that’s incredibly fun and fully inclusive. Many families will simply know it as “the game-board playground,” but for families like mine, they’ll recognize something deeper: a place where they were thought about and included. Where their child belongs.
