Conner Prairie has debuted Ag Adventures at the Estridge Family Park, a newly constructed playground that will provide access to all visitors.
This fully inclusive play area was designed with guests of all abilities in mind. Where many playgrounds have barriers and limitations, this structure opens new doors of play for guests: Though the playscape is intended for everyone to enjoy, it is accessible for visitors with physical or developmental disabilities who may have been unable to fully engage with Conner Prairie’s previous playground.
This reimagined outdoor play experience is one of the many changes the organization is making toward inclusion for all, explained Conner Prairie president and CEO Norman Burns.
“We aspire to make Conner Prairie a learning destination for guests of all abilities,” Burns said. “This new space is one of many steps we are taking to be a more inclusive Museum.”
The new playscape’s agricultural theme is a nod to Conner Prairie’s long history of agriculture, and features educational panels that highlight stories from Conner Prairie Farms once owned by Mr. Eli Lilly, and connect guests to other agriculture experiences and exhibits on the grounds. The playground was made possible through the support of the Estridge Family Foundation — a fund of the Hamilton County Community Foundation — and the Conner Prairie Alliance.
“As long-time residents of Hamilton County, it has always been important to our family to support amazing local treasures like Conner Prairie. We are proud that the Treetop Outpost is named for our parents, Paul and Carol Estridge, and with the introduction of the Estridge Family Park, including the Ag Adventures playground, we are pleased to help Conner Prairie further its mission of inspiring curiosity and fostering learning among our youngest Hoosiers. The park provides a place where children of all abilities can play and learn together, and we hope it is a place families can enjoy for many years to come,” shared donors Paul Estridge, Sherry McNutt and Vicki Short.
Ag Adventures at the Estridge Family Park is free with museum admission or membership. You can view a video of the playground here.
To learn more, visit www.connerprairie.org.
About Conner Prairie
Spanning more than 1,000 wooded acres in Central Indiana, Conner Prairie welcomes more than 400,000 visitors of all ages annually. As Indiana’s first Smithsonian Institute affiliate, Conner Prairie offers various outdoor, historically-themed encounters and indoor experiential learning spaces that combine history and art with science, technology, engineering and math to offer an authentic look into history that shapes society today. Conner Prairie is a 501(c)3, nonprofit organization – accredited by the American Alliance of Museums – that relies on grants and philanthropic donations from individuals, corporations and foundations for sustainability and growth. Visit connerprairie.org or call (800) 966-1836 for admission dates, hours, ticket prices and opportunities to donate and volunteer.
