Kelly Park: Designing Brooklyn's First All-Accessible Playground

In the heart of Brooklyn, a transformative $20 million project has redefined what inclusive play means for New York City's children. When the NYC Parks Department needed expertise in revitalizing Kelly Park, named for an influential early 1900s postmaster and civic leader, they turned to MRC to help bring their vision to life. 

Today, this park showcases where innovative design and universal accessibility merge to create a playground that welcomes children of all abilities.

A Vision of Inclusion

The project emerged as a powerful collaboration between MRC, Brooklyn Parks Commissioner Marty Mier, a local NYS Senator who earmarked $10 million for the project, and various community groups. Their shared goal was ambitious yet clear: turn the playground into Brooklyn's first barrier-free play space where children of all abilities could play together without limitations.

The challenge was multifaceted. While beloved by the community, the original playground offered limited accessibility and size. The site's complex topography demanded creative solutions for the renovation. Working closely with architect Emmanuel Thingue, our team developed an innovative design that turned these challenges into opportunities while honoring the park's legacy.

Design Innovation that Breaks Barriers

The centerpiece of Kelly Park's transformation is its unique integration of three fully ramped play units with a striking 6-foot high concrete mountain feature — a dramatic departure from the previous playground's design. This architectural marvel includes accessible ramped access and a concrete pathway to the summit, ensuring that elevation and excitement are available to every child, regardless of mobility.

The playground's thoughtful zoning creates dedicated spaces for different age groups and areas, including the following:

• Two distinct areas explicitly designed for ages 2-5, expanding play options for younger children
• Two separate zones catering to ages 5-12
• Custom maze installation, adding an element of adventure and discovery

Beyond Play Equipment

Kelly Park's revitalization extended far beyond traditional playground elements. The comprehensive upgrade included:

While reimagining the space, the team thoughtfully preserved certain beloved elements, including an iconic bear statue that had long been a neighborhood landmark.

Note: All of these upgrades happened through MRC and various partnerships, and not our team alone.

Innovative Features for All

The playground's design prioritizes inclusive play experiences throughout the space, with elements such as:

• Fully accessible ramped structures
• Integration with natural topography
• Custom play elements unique to Kelly Park
• Strategic placement of amenities for both children and caregivers
• Age-appropriate challenges that support different stages of child development

The Impact

Kelly Park has always been a vibrant community hub, but the positivity has increased tenfold. As JoAnn Thomas from MRC reflects, "Seeing the first photos of the playground being installed was exciting — I knew this was going to be a special project.

The playground is a testament to what's possible when accessibility and innovation merge in public space design while respecting the park's historic role in the community.