Veronica Ware
Families with accessibility needs have a new reason to celebrate: The city’s very first fully inclusive playground opened recently at Bessie Estell Park (901 8th Street South). The Birmingham Park and Recreation Board in partnership with the Mayor’s Office, Birmingham City Councilor Valerie Abbott, Senator Rodger Smitherman, and the Glen Iris Neighborhood Association unveiled the new space—named Braelynn’s Way—on October 16.
The vision for Braelynn’s Way began when local mother Veronica Ware imagined a space where her daughter, and every child, could play, explore, and simply be part of the fun regardless of ability. The Birmingham City Council and parks and recreation officials worked together with Veronica to bring her dream to life. At the ribbon cutting, Shonae Eddins-Bennett, director of the Birmingham Park and Recreation Board, said: “This playground is a beautiful reflection of what can happen when compassion meets community. Our goal has always been to create spaces where every child, regardless of ability, feels welcome, valued and included.”
Braelynn’s Way is designed to accommodate children and families of all abilities. That means playground surfaces, ramps, swings, slides, and seesaws that work not just for typical users, but also for children with mobility challenges. It is a community symbol of inclusion.
Braelynn’s Way gives families a reason to visit the Glen Iris neighborhood and enjoy outdoor time together. The playground’s opening is a win for parents of children with special needs who need a place where they can fully join in the fun. The Birmingham Park and Recreation Board said in a statement that, “Veronica’s heartfelt desire was for her child—and all children with special needs—to experience the same fun, energy, and freedom that every playground should offer.”
Veronica Ware
Veronica advocated for years for this inclusive space, noting that her resolve was unshakeable and her faith kept her going. Though Braelynn passed away before her mother’s dream was realized, naming the playground after her is an homage to the little girl who inspired the community. At the ribbon cutting, Veronica noted that she was happy for the children like her daughter who now have a space of their own, as well as for the community support she received. “I am overwhelmingly joyful and excited to know that so many children will now get to enjoy this beautiful place.”