Harmony in Auburn: Inclusive Community Park Inspires Music-Making Auburn, Alabama

A truly inclusive park was designed and built in Auburn, Alabama, quickly becoming a cherished space for the local community. This innovative park offers a welcoming environment for people of all ages and abilities, ensuring that everyone can enjoy its amenities. One of its unique features is a dedicated area where visitors can create music together, fostering creativity and collaboration among community members. The park serves as both a recreational space and a hub for social interaction, bringing together families, friends, and neighbors to connect and share memorable experiences. Whether playing musical instruments, enjoying a picnic, or participating in organized events, the park has significantly enriched the quality of life for those in Auburn.

We are catching up with Elizabeth Kaufman from the City of Auburn to learn why music was so important to include in the park and how she has seen it being used since its opening.

The large park spans over 53,000 square feet and offers a variety of activities, including a ninja-fit course, a bouldering wall, accessible swings, and a walking track. At the center of the park is the music area, designed to inspire creativity among visitors.

Elizabeth Kaufman, the Therapeutic Programs Coordinator for the City of Auburn, was eager to incorporate artistic elements into the park. She explains, “There are many science and technology features in the park, so we wanted to balance those with more creative spaces, and music was an obvious choice. We were excited to encourage music-making and were delighted to discover Percussion Play!”

After seeing Percussion Play’s instruments in a nearby park, Elizabeth and her team were confident in the quality and durability of the products. They decided to include a dozen instruments, which consisted of drums, bells, and xylophones.

In selecting the instruments, Elizabeth prioritized having them at various heights to ensure accessibility. She stated, “Having drums and xylophones at different heights allows us to encourage participation from both young children and adults.”

Percussion Play’s Floor Piano accompanies the instruments and means wheelchair users can enjoy music-making with ease.

The park is a favorite spot for the local community, especially for students from the nearby school. Elizabeth observes intergenerational play, where grandparents create music with their grandchildren, and she is delighted to see children engaging with their peers.

"I truly believe that music brings people together, and it's wonderful to see children playing with one another. Our music area encourages people to get outside and enjoy making music, and we couldn't be happier with the space we've created."