A Playground Where Everyone Belongs: UCPNB's Role in the McInnis Park Inclusive Playground
At UCPNB, we believe everyone deserves a place to belong, and that includes the playground. That's why we're proud to be the fiscal sponsor and a lead donor for the Marin County Inclusive Playground and Outdoor Classroom, planned for the County of Marin's McInnis Park in San Rafael.
When it opens, it will be a first-of-its-kind community space in the North Bay. Children and adults of every age, ability, mobility and sensory need will be able to play, learn, explore and connect, side by side.
Sketch of Marin County Inclusive Playground
Why This Project Matters to Us
Many traditional playgrounds unintentionally leave out children and adults with physical, sensory, cognitive or developmental challenges. Those are the people and families UCPNB works alongside every day, and they deserve the same joy of play everyone else takes for granted.
The need in Marin is real. More than 4,200 students in the county receive special education services, and 1 in 7 students is eligible for accommodations. The Marin County Office of Education serves about 500 students with extensive support needs. Yet the nearest fully inclusive, accessible playground is in the South Bay.
Inclusion isn't only about kids, either. About 30% of Marin's residents, more than 78,000 people, are over 60. A multigenerational playground means grandparents can join in, too.
Our Role: Fiscal Sponsor and Classroom Champion
UCPNB is proud to support this project in two ways:
Fiscal sponsor. Every gift to the playground flows through UCPNB, which makes all donations tax-deductible and ensures they're managed with care.
Classroom Champion. UCPNB has committed $750,000 as the project's Classroom Champion, the lead gift for the outdoor classroom. That commitment also gives us a seat at the table in the design process, so the voices of the families we serve help shape the space.
We're not doing this alone. We're working alongside the County of Marin, Marin Center for Independent Living, Marin Community Foundation, and the local parents and businesses who first championed this vision.
A Playground Shaped by the Community
McInnis Park is a 450-acre community destination, home to a golf center, pickleball and tennis courts, a skate park, Gallinas Creek, McInnis Pond and a creekside walking trail. What it's missing is a playground and shared social space. Local parents chose the site, and more than 1,000 parents, caregivers and kids gave input on the design. The plans include:
Universal access throughout, with smooth pathways, accessible surfaces, and texture and sound navigation
Raised, wheelchair-accessible walkways so kids who use wheelchairs can play at the same height as everyone else
Turf-covered hills with built-in slides for rolling, sliding and climbing, with perimeter fencing so parents can relax
Spinning equipment and jumbo group swings that support physical regulation and shared play
Sensory huts, swinging benches and hammocks for quiet time and a calm place to reset
Restrooms with adult changing tables, plus individual and family rooms
More accessible parking
A dedicated outdoor classroom and teen "third space" for young people of all abilities, offering a welcoming spot for outdoor learning, homework help, recreation and friendship for families, schools and day programs
That outdoor classroom is especially close to our hearts at UCPNB. Teens and young adults with disabilities often have few places to simply hang out with friends. This space will be theirs.
Where the Funding Stands
The goal is $7 million for the playground, outdoor classroom and accessible restrooms by the start of construction in Spring 2029. The County of Marin has donated the land, will cover design and engineering, and has committed $2 million toward construction and restroom upgrades.
$2,000,000: County of Marin contribution
$930,000: Community funds raised since January 2026 by UCPNB, Marin CIL, local parents and businesses
$1,070,000: Additional community funds still to raise (goal: end of 2027)
$3,000,000: Matching state grant funds to pursue
$7,000,000: Total needed by Spring 2029
The County is working with Marin Community Foundation and other partners on major pledges, and will pursue $3 million in matching state grants to reach the finish line.
What's Next
The vision is becoming a reality. Construction of the fully funded accessible restroom facility begins in early 2028, the project's first major milestone. Once the remaining funds are secured, we expect to break ground on the playground and outdoor classroom in Spring 2029.
How You Can Help
Inclusive play isn't just about swings and slides. It's about belonging, development, independence and equity. Every gift, of any size, brings us closer to a place where every child and family in Marin can play together.
Generous donors have already stepped forward, including Marin Center for Independent Living as a Play Area Supporter, Kathryn and David Fahy for the Joy and Belonging Mural, and Ultragenyx, Hennessy Company Charitable and several local families as Sensory Hut Sponsors. Naming and recognition opportunities are still available:
Creature Feature Sponsor, $600,000+ (available)
Play Area Supporter, $50,000–$100,000+: zipline, swings, slides, adult fitness equipment and more (several available)
Teen Third Space, $10,000–$25,000+ (three available)
Sensory Hut Sponsor, $5,000–$10,000+ (available)
Business Sponsor, $1,000+: business name on a permanent donor wall or brick
Community Builder, $300+: name on a permanent donor wall or brick
All gifts are made through UCPNB as fiscal sponsor and are tax-deductible.
Interested in a major partnership, corporate matching or planned giving? Contact Dr. Colleen Arnold, Arnold Advocacy, at colleen@arnoldadvocacy.com, or Kevin Wright, Marin County Parks, at kevin.wright@marincounty.gov.
Thank you for helping us build a North Bay where everyone belongs, on the playground and beyond.