Gabriel's Garden is a public playground in Jackson, Tennessee created to be an enjoyable place for families and field trips. It is funded by local organizations and is specifically designed to accommodate children with disabilities. The playground features rubber surfacing, accessible equipment, and areas designed to teach sign language, matching, and other skills. A safety inspection found the playground to be clean with a few minor issues like rusting chains and a loose screw that need repair. Suggestions for improvement include adding more swings, shade, and amenities like water fountains and a phone to enhance accessibility.

1. Gabriel’sGarden Created by Cassie Hallmark & Jill Landreth Information based on the Handbook for Public Playground Safety Published by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

2. About Founder: Darlene Walden Supporters: Fishman's Fund, the City of Jackson, West Tennessee Healthcare, and the Jackson Civitan Club Public playground with the intent to be a desired place to visit for family outings and field trips

3. The playground is very clean and nice for all children to play on. The playground is huge!

4. Aerial View of Gabriel’s Garden

9. These aspects of the playground help students learn sign language, matching, temperature, and seasons.

10. Interpret your findings Strengths: Not only can children play on this playground, they also can learn. This is a playground for ages 2-12, whether they have a disability or not. All of the areas are accessible and appear very safe. Weaknesses: No water fountains available No storage area for personal belongings

11. Suggestions for Improvement Additional swings for more children to play on (there are only 2 on site) More shaded areas for hot days Lockers/space for personal items to be locked up while playing First aid kits available Ramp leading up to slides for easier access for disabled children Water fountains Pay phone/emergency phone (there is a walking track, etc. beside it and even though most people have cell phones, it might be smart to have one in case of an emergency or if there are suspicious people around)

13. Visit the web at http://www.gabrielsgarden.net to find out more about Gabriel’s Garden and what you can do to help support the playground and its upkeep.