The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) recently announced that LeFleur’s Bluff Playground has been named a top public playground in the nation, earning sixth place in the USA Today 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Public Playground.
Located within the LeFleur’s Bluff Complex, the playground sits on a shared campus with the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science and the Mississippi Children’s Museum.
The 30,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art playground was designed with accessibility and outdoor exploration in mind featuring more than 80 play elements, 73 of which are inclusive for children with accessibility needs. The playground is divided into age-appropriate areas for children ages 6 months to 12 years old and encourages active play through climbing, running, and exploration.
In addition to its innovative design, the playground includes shade structures that cover approximately 75 percent of the area, helping reduce temperatures by up to 30 degrees and allowing for more comfortable, year-round use. Admission to the park is free and open to the public.
“This recognition is a testament to the power of creating spaces where every child can play, explore, and feel included,” said Angel Rohnke, Director of the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science. “LeFleur’s Bluff Playground was designed to welcome families of all abilities, and we’re honored to see it recognized among the best in the country.”
“LeFleur’s Bluff Playground has become more than a place to play, it’s a place where our community comes together,” said Emily Hoff, Executive Director of the Mississippi Children's Museum. “From neighborhood families to visitors discovering Jackson for the first time, this park is a welcoming beacon in Mississippi’s capital city, inviting children of every age and ability to explore, connect, and make memories together.”
The Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation's generous $4.2 million grant for improving the health and well-being of Mississippians made this innovative project possible and their leadership team played a visionary role in the LBC's development.
To learn more about LeFleur’s Bluff Playground and The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science visit https://www.mdwfp.com/museum-natural-science/lefleurs-bluff-playground.
