Via Oregon - September/October 2021 - 27

rooms, and paths, so it's well worth it to investigate possibilities
prior to visiting any of the parks in these systems.
Nestled in the windswept sandstone cliffs near Coos
Play for all
Bay, Shore Acres State Park lies on one of the most
beautiful capes on the Oregon Coast. One of a trio of
parks within a two mile radius that showcase this dramatic
southern seascape, Shore Acres also delights with
its formal gardens and its massive annual holiday display.
Patrons can borrow a wheelchair to traverse the
seven acres of grounds for a look at lovely roses and a
Japanese-style lily pond in warmer months-but call to
check conditions before coming to see holiday lights,
as weekend crowds and weather can present challenges.
A paverstone path leads to the Observation Building,
where photographers thrill to giant winter waves crashing
against the rocks. Just down the road, an accessible
overlook for Simpson Reef allows visitors to view and
hear a robust population of seals and sea lions.
For a unique dive into Oregon's agricultural past,
visit Thompson's Mills State Heritage Site in Shedd,
Ore., in the Willamette Valley. Handsome white silos
grace the state's last working water-powered historic
mill, where free, no-reservations-necessary guided
tours allow onlookers to experience its inner workings
(Friday to Sunday year round). The accessible first
floor features an original millstone and grinding equipment,
and a live video feed of the flume and turbines
in the basement plays for those who can't negotiate
the stairs. Lead Ranger Tom Parsons says the exhibits
were inspired by a blind volunteer park host who helped
sighted staff understand the mill's multisensory magic.
" The building itself has different temperatures, and it
tickles different senses, " he notes, " like the smell of old
wood, and the wind coming off the river water. You'll
hear the creaking, groaning, and clattering of machinery.
And you can feel the rumble of belts, wheels, and
elevators moving. " Fall cider pressings are a great time
to visit (Sept. 18, Oct. 9, and Oct. 30 this year) for openhouse
tours and grain-milling demos.
Feeling spacey? Idaho's Bruneau Dunes State Park,
south of Boise, affords a special way to watch the night
skies. Although the 470-foot freestanding sand dunes
provide mobility challenges, the park's public observatory
programs have accessible views of the stars. The
25-inch Newtonian telescope can only be viewed by
climbing up steps, but smaller telescopes set up on
the quad near the observatory, managed by volunteer
astronomers, can bring the constellations to anyone.
(On the website, book the observatory for a private
astronomer-led group tour and presentation on Fridays
and Saturdays in season, until Covid-19 restrictions
allow reopening. Charges apply.) During the daylight
hours, ADA dock improvements promise great fishing
for monster bass and bluegill.
" Life should be a party and everyone should be invited! " says
G Cody QJ Goldberg, whose daughter Harper inspired the
adaptive innovation of Harper's Playground in Portland and
many parks that followed. No longer built with dangerous
materials such as concrete and sharp metal, these new inclusive
playgrounds sport softer surfaces and ADA-friendly play
equipment to welcome all children of all abilities.
Anna & Abby's Yard
ROGERS PARK,
FOREST GROVE, ORE.
This wonderland was built
by a community to memorialize
two sisters. There's a
giant dragon made from a
downed 200-foot sequoia,
and a carousel that allows
kids with mobility differences
to ride. Music Alley
provides instruments for
auditory fun. 2421 17th Ave.
Harper's Playground
ARBOR LODGE PARK,
PORTLAND, ORE.
The original inclusive playground
that spurred the
trend incorporates natural
ramps, hills, and trees in the
design. Accessible saucer
swings and spinners
encourage communal play.
N. Delaware Avenue &
North Bryant St.
Let's All Play Place
SALEM, ORE.
Located next to the Salem
Hospital Outpatient
Rehabilitation Center, the
playground is surrounded
by a track, allowing patients
and other visitors to build
motor skills. Play elements
include a slide, swings, and
a water play area. 650
Church St. SE
Cassia Park
BOISE, IDAHO
A universal-access playground
in Boise Bench,
Cassia includes a play structure
with auditory elements,
mazes, and mirrors for
younger children, and cool
partnered swings and spring
toys. 4600 W. Camas St.
Adventure Island
Playground
SETTLER'S PARK,
MERIDIAN, IDAHO
To experience the " Grand
Voyage " of the main play
area, kids of all abilities traverse
ramps, swing, climb,
get wet in a splash pad, and
enjoy musical tones in the
sound garden. 3245 N.
Meridian Rd.
Brooklyn's Playground
O.K. WARD PARK,
POCATELLO, IDAHO
A yellow-brick-road path
leads to this kingdom,
which is segmented into
themed places to play
imaginatively, including an
Old Western town. High
and low elements, such as
monkey bars, allow kids in
wheelchairs to play next to
their friends on foot. 1400
W. Quinn Rd. at Northern
Lights Drive
Adventure Island
Playground.
AAA | VIA 27
SHELLY HOUSTON/CITY OF MERIDIAN
Via Oregon - September/October 2021

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