NDAD Park Inclusive Playground is a fully inclusive play space being developed in South Grand Forks near Discovery Elementary School. Designed using universal design principles, it will create a welcoming space where kids and families of all abilities can play, connect, and belong—strengthening community life for everyone.
What is NDAD Park?
NDAD Park is a community park located in south Grand Forks that is owned and operated by the Grand Forks Park District. The park is adjacent to Discovery Elementary School and features an existing playground with some accessible features, basketball courts, gaga ball pit, walking paths and green space. An
additional fully inclusive playground is under construction and will be added to the park’s amenities in late summer of 2026.
Where will NDAD Park be located?
The new playground being built at NDAD Park is a fully inclusive space developed through a partnership between NDAD and the Grand Forks Park District. It’s intentionally designed so people of
all abilities can play, explore, and connect side-by-side.
What does “fully inclusive” mean?
“Fully inclusive” means the park is designed so children and families of all abilities can play
together, not separately. It goes beyond basic accessibility by planning for
physical, sensory, and social inclusion—so no one feels left out.
How is an inclusive park different from a typical playground?
Many playgrounds include a few accessible features. An inclusive park is designed from the start using
universal design principles, with welcoming spaces that support different ways people move, play, communicate, and engage.
Who is NDAD Park for?
It’s for
everyone—kids, teens, adults, seniors, people with disabilities, people without disabilities, families, caregivers, schools, and neighbors. The goal is a community space where everyone can
play, connect, and belong.
Why is inclusive play important?
Inclusive play helps make inclusion “normal” in everyday life. It supports friendships, confidence, and shared experiences—so kids grow up seeing differences as part of community, not a barrier.
How does an inclusive park benefit children with health challenges?
Inclusive play environments can help build
confidence, independence, and social skills by creating opportunities to participate fully and comfortably in community life.
How does an inclusive park benefit children without health challenges?
It encourages empathy, teamwork, leadership, and friendship across differences—helping kids learn naturally that everyone belongs and everyone can contribute.
How does NDAD Park benefit parents, caregivers, and families?
When spaces are designed for a wide range of needs, families can spend time together more easily—creating shared moments that strengthen connections and improve quality of life.
How does NDAD Park benefit the broader community?
Inclusive public spaces help strengthen neighborhoods by creating places where people gather, connect, and feel welcome. NDAD Park is framed as a long-term community investment—one designed to serve residents of all abilities and reflect the needs of families in Grand Forks.
What kinds of inclusive features will the park have?
The playground is being designed to support
physical, sensory, and social play, with thoughtful planning so that people with different needs can engage and enjoy the space. Planning discussions have also emphasized sensory-supportive elements and mobility-friendly approaches (for example, design attention for students with mobility and sensory needs).
How was the park design informed by the community?
NDAD worked closely with educators and stakeholders connected to Discovery Elementary School to gather input on what structures make the most sense for children of different ages and abilities, including considerations like supervision sightlines and inclusive features.
Who is paying for NDAD Park Inclusive Playground?
NDAD has committed nearly $1,000,000 to support the project’s construction costs and related amenities.
When will the NDAD Park Inclusive Playground open?
NDAD Park is currently open to the public and features an existing playground with some accessible features, basketball courts, gaga ball pit, walking paths and green space. Completion of the NDAD Park Inclusive Playground is tentatively set for late August 2026 and will open to the public at that time. (Timelines can shift based on construction.)
Will NDAD Park be open to the public?
Yes—NDAD Park is positioned as a public community space developed with the Grand Forks Park District for broad community use.
Why is NDAD involved in building an inclusive park?
NDAD’s mission emphasizes removing barriers and expanding opportunities so people can participate in everyday community life. NDAD Park is one way that commitment shows up locally—creating a space built for inclusion.
What message do you want the community to take away from NDAD Park?
Inclusion is a community strength. When accessibility is designed in from the start, it creates shared experiences that bring people together and strengthen community connections.
How can I support the project or stay informed?
Community communication plans reference ongoing public announcements, web updates, and construction progress sharing as the project advances. Support often starts by sharing updates, inviting others to learn about inclusive recreation, and celebrating a community space designed for everybody.
Follow along for updates at
Facebook.com/NDAD.nd.