Clemyjontri Park: Safe and Accessible Play for All Ages and Abilities

At Clemyjontri Park in McLean, VA, there is something for everyone. 

At first glance, Clemyjontri looks like an ordinary — if expansive — playground. It features a colorful set of swings, slides and mini-mazes, designed so children of all ages and abilities can play and explore. Upon further inspection, it is a rare place that allows differently-abled kids to play with ease alongside their peers. 

The equipment at Clemyjontri includes advanced amenities such as swings with high backs for extra support, ramps up to elevated slides, and braille and sign language alongside text. 

Recycled rubber material is behind the park’s burst of color, but the rubber is not merely decorative — it is central to the park’s mission of accessibility and safety for all. 

Fairfax County’s website notes that the rubber surfaces are “non-slip and porous.” That means that when it rains, the rubber drains water quickly and remains resilient for continued play. 

The surfaces at Clemyjontri are smooth, making it easy to maneuver in wheelchairs. These surfaces also ensure a soft landing spot for running, jumping and sliding kids. 

One of the park’s biggest benefits is that it offers various slides, swings and balance beams that test the coordination and balance of kids. However, parents know that kids fall all the time. Because Clemyjontri uses recycled rubber surfaces, parents have a bit more peace of mind as the rubber will lessen the impact when the inevitable spill happens.

The material’s soft and smooth nature makes it a go-to option for communities focused on accessibility.

Alternative surfaces like wood chips tend to degrade without frequent maintenance, risking a decline in landing safety and limiting wheelchair mobility. 

Like other parks and playgrounds that use recycled rubber, Clemyjontri remains available for local families even when there’s an overnight downpour. This increased availability means that everyone has a place to play at any time.

All around the playground, there are opportunities for exploration. A mini-train circles the park, a pavilion hosts afternoon picnics, and a carousel spins around to music. 

Underlying it all is a soft rubber surface ensuring the park is safe and available to everyone. It is really a special place and brings joy to so many children around the DMV region.

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