by Emily Hunt
Home to the first universal playground in Medford, Mass., the McGlynn Elementary School recently marked its first anniversary of its inclusive play space. Beginning in May 2022, the Boston-based landscape architecture firm Copley Wolff initiated the design process to align with Medford’s strategic goals to improve equity and inclusion. From the outset, accessibility was the top priority. The design team aimed to create a space that was not only inclusive and engaging for all children but also a replicable model for future playgrounds across the district.
Photo by Anthony Crisafulli
Copley Wolff led the McGlynn Universal Playground project from concept to completion, guiding stakeholders through a collaborative process that ensured the results reflected the needs and aspirations of the school and community. Working closely with the McGlynn School Playground Design Committee and city staff, Copley Wolff developed a robust outreach strategy. Through public workshops, charrettes, tabling events like the “Harvest Your Energy” festival, and online surveys, the firm engaged students, teachers, parents, and neighbors to shape a playground that truly served all.
One of the most impactful outcomes of this engagement was the inclusion of the “We-Go-Swing” by Landscape Structures. This fully inclusive swing allows children using mobility devices to play alongside their peers. It was identified early on by the community as a “must-have,” and Copley Wolff ensured it was integrated seamlessly into the design.
Photo by Anthony Crisafulli
The firm also facilitated discussions around age-specific needs, resulting in two distinct play zones: one for preschoolers (ages 2–5) and another for elementary students (ages 5–12). Teachers noted concerns about safety for students with visual impairments, and Copley Wolff responded with innovative solutions, including low landscape berms with high contrast surfacing to provide visual and tactile cues. Sensory pathways help students challenge themselves in safe environments, navigating material changes and various steep slopes that also serve as fun play elements. These design elements were developed in consultation with the Perkins School for the Blind and became a guiding principle throughout the space.
The elementary zone features topographical changes, a double slide for racing per the students’ request, and monkey bars at varying heights to accommodate different age groups and abilities. This provides students with a choice of the appropriate level of challenge and safe risk. A multi-use turf field and raised amphitheater support flexible play and events. In the preschool area, the “Garden Seesaw” by Koman was modified to support assisted play, while a fully accessible wooden playhouse exceeded ADA standards, allowing for interior wheelchair turning space.
Emily Hunt
During construction, the city’s DEI office, represented by a former McGlynn student and mobility device user, provided valuable feedback on safety enhancements and communication board placement, further reinforcing the community-driven nature of the project.
Since opening in October 2024, the McGlynn Universal Playground has given the students and community members an inclusive and welcoming space that will engage generations to come. Not only will it serve as a model for future playgrounds in Medford and the metro Boston area, but it will also inspire kids to learn and grow as they develop confidence and independence on the playground.
Emily Hunt is senior associate at Copley Wolff Design Group.
