Welcome to Stories from PARK365, a series celebrating the people, moments, and memories that make this award-winning all accessible park so special. Whether it’s a joyful family outing, a peaceful walk, or a meaningful connection made on the playground, PARK365 has become a cherished part of the Richmond community, and we’re honored to share your stories.
Sabrina’s Story
When Sabrina Berman and her two-year-old son moved to Richmond in April 2023, they were looking for a way to connect to the city, to other families, and to something that felt like home. Just five minutes from their new house, they found it: PARK365.
“It was our first time experiencing the community of Richmond,” Sabrina shared. “Children were encouraging my son to slide down the tallest slide, play at the water table, and pretend to run a drive-thru at [the treehouse].”
For Sabrina and her son, PARK365 became more than a playground, it became their daily ritual. Even now that her son is in school, the pair still heads to the park each afternoon. It’s where her son had his very first birthday party when he turned three years old, a tradition they’d had to delay because of the COVID-19 pandemic. And when Martin Luther King Jr. Day came around this year, Sabrina chose to spend it giving back and volunteering at PARK365, spreading mulch to help maintain the space that had given her family so much.
Owned and operated by SOAR365, headquartered next door to the park, PARK365 is a free, inclusive playground open to the entire community. But it’s more than just a beautiful place to play, it’s a bridge that connects people of all ages and abilities.
Participants from SOAR365’s Adult Day Support and Youth Services programs visit the park regularly. Whether they’re getting their hands dirty in the garden, playing with other parkgoers, or simply enjoying the sunshine and fresh air, there are always new experiences to be had. It’s not unusual to see high-fives exchanged between new friends or hear laughter ripple across the swings and slides as people of all backgrounds come together in shared play.
“PARK365 is a wonderful space for people to come together, whether they’re from the greater community or SOAR365 program participants right next door,” said Jaime McClure, Director of Day Services, Respite and Case Management. “When everyone gets the opportunity to go outside and enjoy the park, our participants feel seen and included, and that moment of connection means everything.”
PARK365 embodies SOAR365’s mission in action: creating life-fulfilling opportunities for individuals with disabilities, while also enriching the broader community. The park’s inclusive design ensures everyone can participate, whether they use a wheelchair, walker, or have sensory sensitivities. And its welcoming spirit reminds us that connection doesn’t always come from big gestures – it can start with something as simple as cheering a new friend as they go down the slide.
As Sabrina puts it, “The inclusivity of the park’s equipment is incredible, and the peaceful energy is palpable as soon as you open the entry gates. We can’t wait to continue making memories at this gem.”
Share Your Story
Do you have a favorite PARK365 memory or a story you’d love to share? We’d love to hear it! Submit your story at bit.ly/StoriesFromPARK365 or email us at soarcomms@soar365.org. To learn more about PARK365 and how SOAR365 supports individuals with disabilities and their families, visit soar365.org.
