Glenrock, Wyoming, couple Shannon and Jason Pinkerton, who are raising six adopted kids with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities, are being given an epic inclusive playground by a nonprofit organization called Unlimited Play in honor of their 20th anniversary. Unlimited Play was started by Natalie Mackay to honor her son Zach, who lived with a disability before he died in 2021. The nonprofit builds accessible playgrounds for children of all abilities to play on. The playground is going to be installed this upcoming week between May 30 and June 1.
The Pinkerton family shares their adventures on TikTok @pinketonboysadventures and has more than 1.2 million followers. The family focuses on raising awareness and understanding of Down syndrome.
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The Pinkerton family made a conscious decision to adopt children with Down syndrome.
Shannon Pinkerton spoke with CafeMom and shared why she decided to adopt six children with the syndrome.
“I was raised around people with disabilities, including my older, adopted sister who had Down syndrome. My mom ran a group home for women with disabilities," she tells us. "I’ve always had a heart for people with disabilities and the elderly, and I’ve never seen the difference between them and anyone else. Even my biological kids don’t see the difference.”
Shannon shares that when people adopt they mostly only want babies or younger children.
“When it comes to adoption, many people are looking for babies and not older children and teens. I’m a fierce advocate for adoption out of foster care and believe that all kids should be in homes and not facilities,” she says.
Her son mentioned wanting their family to adopt when he was in kindergarten, and their family grew from there.
She says all children should have a home, no matter what their age or situation.
“All kids deserve a home – those with special needs, those who have been in trouble and on probation, etc. – no child should be written off. I’m blessed to have my children and raise them to be independent as possible,” she tells us.
She adds that it's important for others to see her kids' capabilities.
“Many people think our house must be chaotic, but it is really no different than other families. I want my kids active and visible in the community so people can see that they are independent and capable,” she explains.
Shannon has also shared updates on the family's inclusive playground being built and that the boys are helping throughout the process.
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‘The playground means the world to us!’ the family shares.
Shannon explains that safety reasons mean their adopted children are not able to play on most playgrounds and shares how much this playground means to their family by giving the boys more independence and helping them physically.
“This playground means the world to us! Right now, we have a playset in our yard that some of the kids can’t play on for safety reasons. Having the playground from Unlimited Play and Little Tikes Commercial will be life changing for our family," she tells us. "Kids with Down syndrome typically have less muscle mass than others due to genetic factors that affect muscle development and tone. I’m excited for the added exercise this will add to their lives.”
The playground will help their physical development.
“The outdoor play activities will also help them develop muscle memory – leading to improved coordination, strength, balance, and motor skills," she adds. "The play equipment is really going to help Cameron, who has dwarfism, add extra movement into his day. This is critically important to help keep him from eventually needing a wheelchair.”
She says the boys love to play but feel left out on other playgrounds when they can’t use some of the equipment. “Now, they will each be able to use and learn the Little Tikes Commercial playground and independently do their thing. It will also be nice having this play area because it can be tricky traveling with all the kids, and some of the boys have a hard time in big crowds,” she tells CafeMom.
This is why inclusivity matters.
Even though nearly 1 in 5 people in the US has a disability, most playgrounds are not built to provide them accessibility or to accommodate them, according to Curbed.
Shannon wishes every community had an inclusive playground.
“The inclusive nature of the playground equipment is huge. Keeping kids safe and feeling welcome are top priorities for most moms, and I’d like more people to realize that inclusive playgrounds should be a part of every community," the tells us. "All children should have the opportunity to move freely through a play space without an adult by their side.”
The founder of Unlimited Play shares how meaningful and impactful it has been to build inclusive playgrounds for families like the Pinkertons and others for the past 20 years.
“Unlimited Play isn’t just a personal passion, but a shared vision supported by so many individuals who understand the importance of inclusive play," Natalie tells CafeMom. "Our success of the last 20 years is owed to our generous partners and donors who help make a difference in the lives of children with disabilities. It is because of them we’ve built nearly 90 playgrounds where all children, regardless of ability, can play, interact, and grow.”
She describes how special a moment is when a mother can see her child playing on a playground designed just for them.
“I've had the privilege of witnessing the joy on a mother's face when she sees her child playing freely for the first time," Natalie shares. "Making these moments happen is not just an honor but a profoundly humbling experience. I admire the Pinkerton family so much. They’ve created a beautiful life for the boys and given them a loving home.”
Unlimited Play is raising money for the remaining amount needed to build the Pinkerton boys' playground and is accepting donations through a GoFundMe account.
