# Teresa De Young Built Inclusive Playground for Special Needs Kids

> Teresa De Young created an all-abilities playground in New Richmond, Wisconsin, for kids with special needs after watching her son struggle.
- Title: Teresa De Young Built Inclusive Playground for Special Needs…
- Summary: Teresa De Young created an all-abilities playground in New Richmond, Wisconsin, for kids with special needs after watching her son struggle.
- Keywords: teresa de young, new richmond, down syndrome, all-abilities playground, special needs, adaptive swings, soft rubber surfacing, sensory toys, kubota hometown proud grant, Woman's World
- Source: Woman's World — https://womansworld.com/life/relationships/one-mom-built-an-all-abilities-playground-for-kids-with-special-needs
- Author: Bill Holton
- Published: 2026-11-07T22:00:11+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: teresa de young, new richmond, will, down syndrome, all-abilities playground, special needs, adaptive swings, soft rubber surfacing, sensory toys, kubota hometown proud grant
## Heartache for Will
Teresa De Young watched her son Will sit quietly on a swing while other kids played at a New Richmond, Wisconsin playground.

> Will sat on the swing, silently watching.
## Will’s Playground Vision
Teresa De Young wanted a playground where Will and other special needs kids could enjoy themselves without barriers.

> They should be able to have as much fun as the other kids.
## Community Fundraising
The New Richmond community raised over $500,000 to fund the all-abilities park through grants and fundraisers.

> We can fence in this entire area, and the bathrooms are right over there.
## Playground Features
The playground includes ramps, adaptive swings, soft rubber surfacing, sensory toys, and sound boards for deaf children.

> Every playground should be a Will’s Playground.
## Five-Year Journey
Teresa spent five years researching, fundraising, and building the playground with community support.

> It took five years, but finally a $125,000 Kubota Hometown Proud Grant put Teresa over the top.
## Will’s Joy
Will now plays freely with friends at the playground, calling it a place where he feels included.

> She built this for me, I think every playground should be a Will’s Playground!
## Key takeaway

Teresa De Young built an all-abilities playground in New Richmond, Wisconsin, for kids with special needs after watching her son struggle.