Woodridge Park

Woodridge Park, located in Columbia, Missouri, is a 6.1-acre neighborhood park designed to cater to a diverse community with varying accessibility needs. The park is home to a premier, inclusive playground constructed to support children with developmental and physical disabilities, as well as able-bodied children. Its design was inspired by its proximity to the Ronald McDonald House, the Thompson Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, and the Women’s and Children’s Hospital.

The inclusive playground is thoughtfully equipped with features like ramps to all levels, ground-level roller slides, a group swing, and musical therapy play structures. Additionally, it includes a poured-in-place rubber surface for optimal accessibility and safety. The entire playground is enclosed by a fence to ensure children can play securely.

Woodridge Park also offers a variety of recreational options for visitors. It includes a basketball half-court, practice fields for baseball/softball and soccer, and a 0.4-mile concrete walking trail that loops around the park’s wooded landscape. This trail provides a serene environment for nature viewing, fitness activities, and easy wheeling for those with mobility aids. A council ring situated in a shaded area along the trail offers a quiet spot for rest and reflection.

The park’s connectivity is enhanced by ADA-compliant parking spaces located on the neighboring Ronald McDonald House property, with a convenient sidewalk connection leading to the park. This addition exemplifies the park's commitment to accessibility. Visitors can also enjoy a mini-shelter equipped with a single picnic table, making the park suitable for small gatherings or a peaceful outdoor meal. Originally renovated between 2014 and 2016, the park’s improvements include these features and were made possible through community funding and generous donations.