Lazy Daze Playground — Attraction in Cary

This playground is not accessible at all. If it were built 20 years ago, I’d write it off, but no, a group of people in the 2020s thought it was a good idea to exclude children with disabilities. We found ourselves unexpectedly at this playground while visiting the arts festival. Of course, the sounds of happy children lured my four year old with cerebral palsy to the playground. Unlike many other playgrounds which provide ramps up to the fun stuff or, at least, ladders with wide steps and good hand grips (which she can scale unassisted), this playground’s “ladder” is comprised of shallow foot holds, no hand holds, and a rope. My daughter tried repeatedly to climb the structure to the slides but couldn’t, as the line grew ever long behind her. I had to pry my crying child off the ladder, telling her she was “too little” as opposed to the reality—“too disabled”—to play like all the other kids are playing. Shame on the town of Cary for not thinking of all children when designing...

We finally made it to Lazy Daze Playground at Fred G. Bond Metro Park in Cary. Dunno why we hadn’t visited here yet, but, it was soooo cool! The overall park is HUGE! Even a massive lake there with a boathouse! The playground is modern and fun, and is literally in the middle of a wooded forest area....SUPER COOL! It’s shaded almost everywhere since it’s surrounded by trees. Two different sized playgrounds, swing sets, as well as sand pits, for bigger kids and littler kids. There were thirteen picnic tables or benches surrounding the playground area too. Perfect spot for a picnic with your...

This is a clear case where an attempt at improvement has unfortunately made things worse. The new structure is far from safe for children unless they are exceptionally skilled and comfortable with heights—or at an age where playgrounds are no longer appealing to them.

Parents are unable to access the higher areas to assist children who may become stuck, unsure how to climb further, or too scared to come down. It’s heartbreaking to see what was once a decent, inclusive playground transformed into something that excludes so many kids. This redesign misses the...