“When we design for the least considered, we end up creating a space for everyone.”

Bennett’s Village honors Bennett McClurken-Gibney, a little boy who lived with Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Bennett had an amazing capacity for joy (and mischief) that was infectious and far exceeded the limits of his body. Bennett also loved to play. His power wheelchair gave him amazing independence, but the traditional design of local parks and playgrounds severely limited his ability to play freely with others. Bennett’s family had to drive over an hour each way just to use the closest wheelchair accessible playground. Bennett passed away at the age of five but his hope for an inclusive playspace in the Charlottesville/Albemarle lives on through Bennett’s Village.

Read more about Bennett’s story, the playspace at Pen Park, and the plans for the future at BennettsVillage.org.