A new all-abilities playground designed to center accessibility, dignity, and shared play is swinging forward in Overland Park — with a push from one of Kansas City’s most successful startup founders.
Leaders from Variety KC, Blue Valley Recreation, and the Michael and Brandy Rea Family Foundation gathered April 9 at the Blue Valley Rec Sports Complex to mark the start of construction on Brody’s Boundless Playground, a fully inclusive play space already designated a National Demonstration Site by PlayCore.
“Supporting an inclusive playground is deeply meaningful to our family because it reflects something fundamental: belonging,” said entrepreneur-philanthropist Michael Rea, alongside his wife Brandy, and whose son is the park’s namesake. “Inclusive spaces send a simple but profound message, that every child is valued, every difference is respected, and everyone belongs.”
The project reflects a broader effort to address gaps in accessible recreation. While one in six children in the United States has a developmental or physical disability, fewer than one in five public playgrounds is considered fully inclusive…