Savannah Thompson, a resident of Myrtle Beach, was born with a condition called Williams Syndrome, which is characterized by medical problems including cardiovascular disease, developmental delays, and learning challenges. At just 4 years old, Savannah experienced complications from anesthesia while having heart surgery and was in a coma for almost a month. On the day the doctors gave her parents no hope that she would recognize them or her surroundings, she defied the odds and fought her way back. Ever since, she has approached life with enthusiasm and optimism, inspiring those around her to do the same. In the fall of 2016, Savannah's Playground, named in her honor, opened in Myrtle Beach. It's not only the largest inclusive playground in South Carolina but also in the southeast! And it's worth a visit whenever you find yourself in this corner of the state.

The huge inclusive playground in Myrtle Beach cost $3 million to build and is situated along the water next to Crabtree Memorial Gymnasium in The Market Common.

The "You Fit Right In" mural on the outside wall of the Crabtree Memorial Gym building in the background provides a constant reminder of why this playground exists: So that everyone has a place to play and to belong.

Savannah's Playground features a nice variety of equipment, including the slides, see-saws, and swings you'd expect to find at any playground along with sensory play panels, crawl tunnels ...

... and outdoor musical instruments. Everyone can find something here that interests them!

All of the playground equipment was manufactured by Landscape Structures, Inc. and was designed to be age appropriate, sensory stimulating, durable, and most of all, fun!

The goal of former Myrtle Beach Mayor John Rhodes, who was the driving force behind the playground, was a space with inclusive play equipment that allows children of all abilities to interact with each other.

Another beautiful outcome, however, is that this Myrtle Beach inclusive playground has also opened doors for disabled parents to play with their children, equipping families to build stronger relationships and to have a way to get outside and escape the busy-ness of daily life for awhile.

After all, as Don Lantero put it, "Time spent playing with children is never time wasted."

So if you've never been to Savannah's Playground, the largest inclusive playground in South Carolina, be sure to add it to your bucket list. It will certainly be time well spent! And if you're traveling from out-of-town, book the affordable oceanfront suite at Camelot Resort or another Vrbo so that you'll have time to explore more of Myrtle Beach while in the area.

Have you ever been to Savannah's Playground? What was your favorite play space within the playground?