In a community where parks and recreation are among its defining characteristics, it is no surprise that the St George All Abilities Park is top-notch.
Years in the planning and building, with a vision spurred by former Leisure Services Director Kent Perkins, the St George All Abilities Park is an ideal place to recreate.
Ideal for people of, well, all abilities.
Its official name is Thunder Junction All Abilities Park. The name plays well with one of the most popular features: the train.
All aboard!
Children and adults can take a ride around the St George All Abilities Park for just $1 per person. From a seat in this shiny red and chrome train you get a view of each area of the park, plus a trek through on corner of Tonaquint Park. Riders are able to go through the tunnel — always a kid favorite. The tunnel is not just a fun feature for the ride. It serves as the place to store the train when the park closes each night. Careful attention to detail makes all the difference in the authentic feel of this train attraction. The conductor and the engineer each wear the proper costume. And there is the requisite “All Aboard!” call and train whistle before each ride.
But the real treasure of the St George All Abilities Park is the fact that it truly caters to people with any and all abilities. The train, for example, has cars specifically designed to accommodate wheelchairs. Swing sets feature traditional swings as well as those created to make it possible for children and adults with special needs to be buckled in and be whisked back and forth safely.
Benefits of play for everyone
According to the Thunder Junction All Abilities Park web site, there are many cases in which children with disabilities cannot play in a standard play area. This can keep those children from reaping the social, physical and emotional benefits that play provides.
But they are no longer kept from those benefits.
Bright and fun
The St George All Abilities Park is decorated in bright colors with a full dinosaur theme. A towering volcano casts a shadow across much of the park. This is particularly nice during the hot summer months. Periodically the volcano “erupts” and steam comes out, much to the delight of the children.
Inside the faux black rock mountain is a large space for picnic tables. This also serves as one entrance to a jungle tree house and slide area.
Dinosaurs are prevalent throughout the St George All Abilities Park. From the miniature ones placed strategically throughout the path of the train, to several larger versions where children are encouraged to climb and play. The tail of one dinosaur even serves as a slide that is once again designed to be accessible to people of all sizes.
And what would a St George All Abilities Park be without a place to cool off during the blistering heat. This park features a splash pad and waterfall area too.
Popular features
Two versions of a small zip line are among the other popular features at St George All Abilities Park. One is a rope with a circular base were children can sit or rest their feet as they careen safely along the zip line track. Then, right next to this zip line is one created with a special chair and harness to make it easy for those without the use of their arms or legs, or who have some other special need, can sit and ride along the zip line track.
While many other parks have gone away from including toys like a traditional teeter totter or even the merry-go-round, the St George All Abilities Park has recreated these toys in a way that is safe but still exciting for anyone who climbs aboard.
The soft, carefully considered flooring makes playing along the toy area comfortable for young and old. And with plenty of seating available, it’s a great place to gather as a family or for another large group occasion. Check out the web site to see about reserving space for larger groups.
Music in the air
For those who love the idea of adding some music into your life, the St George All Abilities Park has a perfect place for you too.
Children and adults can use the mallets attached to several chime and xylophone toys. Or they can use their hands. Bring out different drum tones on tall bongo style drums made of colorful tubes.
Even children who are not musically inclined can enjoy making these sounds.
How to find it
The St George All Abilities Park is located at 1851 S. Dixie Drive, St. George. The part is open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week. Free admission. The train hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The cost is $1 per ride. Hours are subject to change based on season and weather. It’s a great chance to spend time together.
If bringing your family to a park as delightful as the St George All Abilities Park, you will definitely want to consider living closer. Check out these homes available in the area.
