Inclusive Day of Play Unites Families, Raises Awareness

Participants at the Gillette Children's Inlcusive Day of Play take a break to blow bubbles.

Gillette’s first Inclusive Day of Play brought together children of all abilities at inclusive playgrounds throughout Minnesota on July 27, 2024. The event took place during Disability Pride Month, to celebrate the progress made in creating inclusive spaces – and to highlight the continued work needed to make our communities welcoming and accessible for all.

Play is vitally important to a child’s development – offering physical, social, emotional and cognitive benefits. Inclusive play creates a richer opportunity for all involved. When children play together, they learn to celebrate one another’s differences, fostering mutual respect and understanding, and laying the foundation for a more inclusive society.

The idea of the Inclusive Day of Play was a grassroots one, rooted in conversations with Gillette families, patients and staff members who look for and want these inclusive spaces and opportunities for connection. 

The Community Rallies Around Inclusive Play

Families at Gillette's Saint Paul campus gather around a copy of the Governer's proclaimation. 

The community embraced this initiative. Families headed out to play at one of the more than 30 destinations on our Inclusive Play Map, Gov. Tim Walz’s made a statewide proclamation for the Inclusive Day of Play, and media coverage throughout the state amplified the importance of inclusive play:

Matt Witham, director of Child and Family Services, in a Minnesota Hospital Association interview, said: “Play is fundamental to kids’ development, to their health, to their long-term success in life. And if we can create pathways and avenues for that, then we're doing what our mission ultimately is: improving the lives of the kids and the families that we serve.” 

Matthew Severson, MD, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, in an ABC KSTP interview, said: Playgrounds are “where kids learn about problem-solving, conflict resolution, how to follow rules and being part of a community – and it promotes their physical activity, as well.” 

Angela Sinner, MD, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, in a CBS WCCO interview, said play promotes a healthier community: “It's good for kids of all ages to get out and play. The benefits to playing include, of course, the emotional, social benefits. But of course, getting that physical activity is good for their bodies and then the cognitive development." 

The Inclusive Day of Play established momentum around a topic that requires ongoing advocacy to create lasting change. As we plan for the 2025 Inclusive Day of Play, we encourage community members to keep the spirit of the initiative alive by using the resources at inclusivedayofplay.org to facilitate their own inclusive playdates throughout the year, subscribe to our newsletter for updates, and keep an eye on our advocacy page for more information about ways to support a more inclusive community.