The 3,240-square-foot aquatic playground includes sensory play equipment that is inclusive and engaging for people of all physical abilities
Hillsborough County dedicated a new splash pad at Lesley "Les'' Miller Jr. All People's Community Park & Life Center, unveiling a swashbuckling adventure for children of all ages and abilities. The splashpad makes cooling off fun, as well as refreshing.
The splashpad is over 3,200 square feet and can accommodate more than 80 people at a time. The play area, dubbed Crocodile Cove, incorporates an adventure theme featuring an old-style pirate ship, palm trees, crocodile, shark, volcano, and more.
The ADA-accessible splashpad and bathrooms ensure that everyone is able to use them. Plenty of shaded benches are also available for resting and relaxing out of the sun's hot reach.
Maggie Hinchliffe, of Seminole Heights, regularly takes her 6-year-old daughter to Miller Park. Her daughter loves the whimsical-themed playground equipment, including the green dragon, giant butterfly, and colorful, larger-than-life toadstools.
Hinchliffe appreciates that the playground and splashpad have something for everyone, regardless of a person's age or physical and intellectual ability.
"It's all-inclusive in that it's for all kids. But it's also all-inclusive in that it piques everyone's interest," Hinchliffe pointed out.
Lesley "Les" Miller Jr. All People's Community Park
The Miller Park & Life Center was designed to serve people of all ages and abilities but specializes in serving people with disabilities. In fact, Miller Park is Hillsborough County's largest adaptive playground.
The 10,000-square-foot, ADA-compliant play area also has a fantasy theme and includes numerous play units designed to encourage children to stay active and have fun. In addition to traditional elements like swings and slides, the playground features rope- and rock-climbing structures, musical elements, and synthetic turf.
Adaptive sports and programs
Miller Community Park & Life Center is home to HC Adaptive Sports. These year-round sports and recreation programs promote physical activity, healthy lifestyles, and competitive sports opportunities for children and adults with physical disabilities.
Miller Park also serves as an Adaptive Recreation After-School, Summer Camp, and Limitless location. It has the only County-run Special Olympics teams and is the main administrative office for the Adaptive Recreation program.
The park and life center focus on eliminating barriers to participation for people with disabilities. Miller Community Park & Life Center is at 6105 E. Sligh Ave., Tampa, FL 33617. Call (813) 744-5978 for more information.