Willard Park in Whitney Ranch

This post was sponsored by Whitney Ranch. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

We were asked to attend the grand opening of the City of Rocklin’s Willard Park over the weekend. Once we heard all about it, we couldn’t say yes fast enough. Willard Park is located in Whitney Ranch in Rocklin, CA. We have shared a little bit about the homes available in the Whitney Ranch neighborhood and now we get to highlight some of the amenities unique to the neighborhood. In fact, Willard Park is located just behind these models (and not far from these) we toured back in the spring.

Willard Park is designed with inclusivity in mind.

Willard Park was designed with the goal of a space for children and parents of all abilities to have a space to play. There are so many features that make the park accessible for all ability levels: a ramp leading to the play structure, rubberized footing, and an adaptive swing.

Willard Park offers a unique experience.

The park features other sensory experiences, making it inclusive of cognitive disabilities as well. The roller slide, carousel, platform swing and sand box all provide sensory feedback, making it a destination for anyone with sensory needs. With two sensory seeking kids, these are things I appreciate about play spaces, and Willard Park did not disappoint!

For the grand opening ceremony, Rocklin city officials and the Willard Family were on hand to dedicate the space. The mayor of Rocklin made an excellent point that not only will this park serve children with disabilities, but it will also give parents with disabilities the opportunity to play along side their children. I never thought of that area of need, and definitely take that for granted.

I love the fact that this park will serve as a space for parents and children of similar backgrounds to meet. Being a parent of a child with a disability can be isolating. It can also be stressful to take them into an environment where you aren’t sure how they will be received or if the environment is appropriate.

Of course, the park can be enjoyed by everyone of all abilities. Inclusion is such a valuable thing and Willard Park provides natural opportunities for children of all abilities to play together. I love that Whitney Ranch valued this project and worked to bring this experience to their community and the greater area.

One of my favorite things about Willard Park is the free library designed by a local eagle scout candidate. It is located along the street in this cute little house and works along the “take a book, leave a book” premise. It was such a fun element to add to an already cool space. We will definitely be bringing a book to swap on our next visit!

Willard Park is definitely a favorite park already and we can’t wait to go back! Kudos to Whitney Ranch for adding such a valuable experience for its residents and the greater community.