Leawood fourth grader advocates for inclusive playgrounds across KC metro

inclusive playgrounds

Olivia Bloomfield, a Shawnee Mission fourth grader with congenital muscular dystrophy, spends her free time advocating for inclusive playgrounds within the school district and the Kansas City metro area. Above, Bloomfield in front of the Variety KC Park at Leawood City Park — one of the inclusive playgrounds Bloomfield advocated for.

When Olivia Bloomfield’s family moved to Leawood from Chicago eight-and-a-half years ago, they had to drive all the way out to near Kansas City International Airport in order to enjoy an inclusive playground.

Born with congenital muscular dystrophy, Olivia couldn’t use the playgrounds in parks closer to home, including Brook Beatty Park — which is down the street from her family’s home — because the power wheelchair she needs can be damaged by mulch.