Every year, thousands of children and adults take advantage of the many beautiful parks located across Sumner County. From ballfields to greenways to playgrounds, nothing beats a fun day of playing outdoors in a safe, clean environment.
Unfortunately, for many years, people with special needs were unable to enjoy the parks due to the lack of accessible facilities. Children and adults with limited mobility were effectively shut out of the park system, resulting in feelings of sadness and exclusion.
Fortunately, the recreational landscape changed dramatically with the opening of Mary’s Magical Place in Hendersonville in 2018. Mary’s Magical Place was the first all-inclusive playground in Sumner County designed for, but not limited to, children with special needs.
The 15,000 sq. ft. playground offers over a dozen activities that provides hours of fun for all children and adults. The $1.2 million facility was constructed with funds from obtained from grants and community fundraising efforts, and it is located in Hendersonville’s Veterans Park. The playground is named for Mary McAuley, the late daughter of Rachel and Tommy McAuley, who passed away from cerebral palsy in 2015.
In 2021, a second inclusive playground arrived with the opening of Miracle Park in Gallatin. Located in Triple Creek Park, Miracle Park encompasses a wide variety of play facilities spread across nearly six acres. All of the park is ADA compliant, making it fully accessible for children and adults with mobility impairments, special needs and the community as a whole. Some of Miracle Park’s unique play options include a special ball field, a pedal park and a large collection of inclusive playground equipment.
Both Mary’s Magical Place and Miracle Park exist due to a strong sense of community support for inclusivity for all that exists in Hendersonville and Gallatin, and across Sumner County as a whole.
Mary's Magical Place
140 Scotch Street,
Hendersonville
Miracle Park
240 Champion Drive,
Gallatin
"Mary’s Magical Place and Miracle Park exist due to a strong sense of community support."