Marin County Inclusive Playground
Help create an inclusive playground and outdoor classroom for all ages and abilities in Marin.
Rare park site available for outdoor play and learning. Your support can build this facility for our families.
Imagine a playground where every child and family, regardless of age, ability, mobility, or sensory need can play, learn, explore, and connect. An inclusive, accessible-for-all playground and classroom is planned for the County of Marin’s McInnis Park in San Rafael and will be a first-of-its-kind community space in the North Bay.
Sketch of Marin County Inclusive Playground
All donations are tax deductible.
United Cerebral Palsy of the North Bay is the fiscal sponsor for the project.
McInnis Park- A Community Centerpiece
Centrally located and selected by local parents, McInnis Park in San Rafael is a destination for the entire community but lacks a playground and shared social space. 450-acre McInnis Park currently offers many activities and ways to play. It includes a golf center, pickleball and tennis courts, skate park, Gallinas Creek, McInnis Pond and a walking trail along the creek. McInnis also houses the Club Restaurant.
However, McInnis lacks a fully inclusive and accessible space that can be used by people of all ages and abilities. The nearest inclusive playground is in the South Bay. A fully inclusive playground will offer an inspiring experience where kids can play, parents can relax, and grandparents can participate.
A Playground Designed for Everyone
Many traditional playgrounds unintentionally exclude children and adults with physical, sensory, cognitive, or developmental challenges. There are 4,200 students in Marin receiving special education services. 1:7 students are eligible for accommodations. Marin County Office of Education serves approximately500 students who have extensive support needs. The nearest all-inclusive and accessible playground is in the South Bay. Additionally, with 30% of Marin’s population ( 78,000+ residents) over 60 years old and facing possible challenges as they age, a fully inclusive multigenerational playground and programs would ensure access and belonging for all.
Following input from over 1,000 local parents, caregivers, and kids, this project changes that by creating:
Universal access throughout the site with smooth pathways, accessible surfaces, and texture and sound navigation
Turf-covered hills with integrated slides allow for rolling, sliding, sledding, and climbing with perimeter fencing so parents can rest at ease
Raised wheelchair accessible walkways let kids in wheelchairs play at the same heights as all the other kids
Spinning devices help with physical regulation and jumbo swings let groups experience play together
Swinging benches, hammocks, and retreats facilitate rest and quiet time
Restrooms with adult changing tables and rooms for individuals and families
Dedicated outdoor classroom and third space for teens and young adults of all abilities, providing a welcoming place for outdoor learning, homework support, recreation, and social connection while serving families, schools, and day programs.
Increased accessible parking
All donations are tax deductible.
United Cerebral Palsy of the North Bay is the fiscal sponsor for the project.
Watch the "Play For All" Video
Your donations will make the inclusive playground for all ages and abilities in Marin possible.
All donations are tax deductible.
United Cerebral Palsy of the North Bay is the fiscal sponsor for the project.
<Reserved space for 3 images of innovative and colorful inclusive park features and designs. Subtitle images “Early draft designs of playground features.”>
Committed Funding & the Gap We Still Must Close
Our goal is to raise a total of $7,000,000 for the playground, outdoor classroom, and accessible restroom by the start of construction in Spring 2029, with accessible restroom construction starting earlier.
The County of Marin has donated the land, will cover the costs of design and engineering, has committed $1 million toward playground construction and an additional $1 million to upgrade existing restrooms to fully accessible restrooms with adult changing tables. United Cerebral Palsy of the North Bay, Marin Center for Independent Living, and local parents and businesses have raised an additional $930,000 in matching funds to date. The County is working with Marin Community Foundation and other partners to raise an additional $1,100,000+ in large pledges and donations in the immediate future, and will pursue $3 million in matching state grant funds to get us to the finish line.
Construction Funding Raised and Still Needed
$2M
County of Marin contribution
$930,000$1.07M
$3M
Community funding raised since 1/1/2026
Additional community funds to be raised (Goal: by end of 2027)
Matching State funds needed
$7M
Total Needed by Spring 2029
We are actively fundraising to bridge that gap and secure the full funding needed to build this transformative community space.
All donations are tax deductible.
United Cerebral Palsy of the North Bay is the fiscal sponsor for the project.
Timeline:
The vision is becoming a reality. Construction of the fully funded accessible restroom facility will begin in early 2028, marking the first major milestone of the project. Once the remaining funds are secured, we anticipate breaking ground on the playground and outdoor classroom in Spring 2029.
Inclusive play isn’t just about swings and slides, it’s about belonging, development, independence, and social equity. This inclusive playground will:
Invite all children and adults to play side by side, regardless of mobility, ability, or age
Provide safe outdoor environments for multigenerational families
Strengthen community connection, health, and joy for Marin residents
Become a destination for the entire North Bay
Ways to Donate & Be Recognized
Your donation helps bring this future playground to life. All gifts through fiscal sponsor United Cerebral Palsy of the North Bay are tax-deductible and will be acknowledged through meaningful recognition opportunities:
Classroom Champion (Cerebral Palsy of the North Bay) $750,000
Prominent naming recognition and participation in design
Celebration as a key community benefactor
Recognized on website and playground marketing materials
Creature Feature Sponsor (Available) $600,000+
Prominent naming recognition
Celebration as a key community benefactor
Recognized on website and playground marketing materials
Play Area Supporter (Marin Center for Independent Living, Several More Available) $50,000–$100,000+
Naming recognition related to zipline, swings, slides, adult fitness equipment, and more.
Celebration as a key community benefactor
Recognized on website and playground marketing materials
Teen Third Space (Three Sponsorships Available) $10,000-$25,000+
Naming recognition for making a one-of-a-kind outdoor social space for homework, hanging out, and play situated near the McInnis snack shack possible.
Recognized on website and playground marketing materials
Joy and Belonging Mural (Kathryn and David Fahy) $10,000+
A large locally-created mural emphasizing the joy and belonging that comes naturally through inclusive play.
Recognition of your donation at the mural site, and chance to meet the artist.
Recognized on website and playground marketing materials.
Sensory Hut Sponsors (Ultragenyx, Marjorie McMorris, Terry and Mitch Nielsen, Kelly McKinley and John Stewart, Hennessy Company Charitable, Ncho-Oguie Family) $5,000-$10,000+
Naming recognition supporting sensory huts and retreats. Sensory huts will be small, quiet outdoor retreats where children can take a break from the activity of play and regulate their senses in a calm, supportive space providing a peaceful place to reset before returning to play. Huts will include calming sensory tools such as textured tactile panels, fidget tools, weighted lap pads, soft seating, nature visuals creating a safe and soothing environment for children.
Business Sponsor $1,000 or more
Business name featured on a permanent donor wall or brick
A lasting tribute to your belief in inclusive play
Community Builder $300 or more
Name featured on a permanent donor wall or brick
A lasting tribute to your belief in inclusive play
Please Make a Donation!
Your contribution to the McInnis Inclusive Playground Project will bring an innovative, inclusive and new kind of playground to the Marin community. Every dollar of your donation will make a real contribution to making this playground a reality. We very much appreciate your support.
All donations are tax deductible.
United Cerebral Palsy of the North Bay is the fiscal sponsor for the project.
Interested in a major partnership, corporate matching, or planned giving?
Contact the project team to discuss tailored giving opportunities and benefits.
Dr. Colleen Arnold, Arnold Advocacy colleen@arnoldadvocacy.com
Kevin Wright, Marin County Parks kevin.wright@marincounty.gov