The Maker's Child

For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well. Psalm 139: 13-14

What is the TMC Playground?

The Maker’s Child Playground will be a premiere all inclusive playground built in Albertville AL. It will be located directly across from the Albertville Public Library on the property of Albertville First Baptist Church. The TMC playground will be open 7 days a week from sunrise to sunset. Included on the site will be two large accessible restrooms and a pavilion with picnic tables. The playground itself will be 10,350 square feet of an artificial turf surface that is completely fenced and exceeds ADA requirements.
Featured equipment accessible for all kids:

Swings
Zip line
Ten Spin
Inclusive Whirl (accessible merry go round)
Buddy Rocker
Glide Along
Momentum Corridor
Large roller slide

Numerus sensory panels

Are there other inclusive playgrounds nearby?

The 3 closest inclusive playgrounds that compare in size to the TMC playground and feature equipment for all disabilities are as follows:

Cove Universal Playground in Owens Crossroads, AL (50 min drive)
Town Creek Inclusive Playground in Auburn, AL (2+ hour drive)
Mason’s Place Inclusive Playground in Tuscaloosa, AL (2+ hour drive)

I thought all playgrounds were ADA compliant. Is this true?

Playgrounds are required to be ADA compliant but there is a big difference between ADA compliant and truly inclusive. ADA compliant mainly applies to the slopes of the grade, size of doorways, handrails and so on. This doesn’t necessarily mean kids with disabilities will have equipment they can play on.

What will the surface of the playground be made of, and will it be safe for my child?

The surface will be 10,350 SQFT of synthetic turf. There are protective areas around the pieces of equipment that are padded and have a fall rating of 8ft.

Will there be shades on the playground to help protect my child from the sun?

Yes, two 30-foot shades will be covering the main play structure along with a covered 20-foot pavilion with plenty of picnic tables.

Can disabled parents play with their kids?

Yes, Parents who are wheelchair bound can follow their children anywhere on the TMC playground. The ramps on the main play structure are oversized. This allows easy access for adults with disabilities.

Are non-participants of The Maker’s Child allowed to play?

Yes, The TMC playground is for everyone!!

Will there be seating for adults?

Yes, there will be benches in various places on the playground along with picnic tables under the pavilion.

Are there restrooms available?

Yes, there will be two fully accessible restrooms with large changing tables located in the pavilion next to the playground.

What safety features will be on site?

The playground will be completely fenced in to keep kids from running out of the area. There will also be security cameras recording 24/7.

Are there benefits for kids with disabilities to play on the playground?

Yes, there are numerus benefits to having a place to play. Some benefits include increased self-esteem, improvements in mental health and overall well-being, physical activity of any kind is very important in health and wellness. Inclusive playgrounds are often used by therapists to help children reach occupational therapy and physical therapy goals.

About The Maker's Child (TMC)

The Maker's Child Respite program serves special needs children and adults on the second Friday night of every month from 6 - 8:30 pm. This is an opportunity for families to leave their special needs child and siblings with us for a night of games, music, lessons, sensory play and activities while parents or caregivers enjoy a respite. This time of respite may include shopping, dinner, a movie or even a nap. Some families choose to take siblings on a special night out; whatever they feel is needed is fine with us! Our purpose is to serve these families in a way that eases their stress and to be the hands and feet of Jesus to them. The Maker’s Child is currently being hosted in Marshall County on a rotation between First Baptist Church in Albertville, Lifepoint Church, Solitude Baptist Church and Connect Church at the Guntersville campus. In 2023, we are excited to add one more church host at Compassion City Church in Albertville. Volunteers at each of these locations would love to provide a church home to our TMC families. Several of our church partners provide Sunday morning and Wednesday evening services for children with special needs while their families attend worship.

Respite Schedule for 2024
January 12 - Compassion City Church
February 9 - Lifepoint Church (*100th Respite)
March 8 - Connect Church Guntersville
April 12 - Solitude Baptist Church
May 10 - Beulah Baptist Church
June 14 - FBC Boaz
July 12 - FBC Albertville
August 9 - Lifepoint Church
September 13 - Compassion City Church
October 6 - FBC Albertville (Sunday afternoon 3-6pm)
November 8 - Solitude Baptist Church
December 13 - FBC Albertville

Sunday morning and Wednesday evening services for children with special needs

First Baptist Church of Albertville

TMC class at 9:30 a.m. during Sunday School and 10:30 a.m. during Sunday worship
TMC class on Wednesday at 6 p.m.-7:15 pm

Lifepoint Church