What to know: Many Midland families know Chris Davidson Opportunity Park as the inclusive playground next to the Bush Tennis Center, but the story behind the park dates back nearly four decades. It was created because of one Midland family’s determination to build a place where children with and without disabilities could play together, and was ultimately named for their son, Chris Davidson. The park is open to the public daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The big picture: The original Opportunity Park opened in May 1989 on Ventura Avenue near the Spectrum of Solutions (formerly MARC) facilities. It was one of only three fully accessible parks of its kind in the United States at the time. It was inspired by Chris Davidson, son of Jan and Steve Davidson. Chris was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy at age four and attended Bynum School.

After seeing an accessible playground at Scottish Rite Hospital in Dallas, Steve Davidson raised more than $650,000 in about 90 days so children with and without disabilities could play together. Chris died before the park was finished, and it was later renamed in his honor.

After roughly 25 years at the original site, Opportunity Park moved to its current 3.3-acre tract next to the Bush Tennis Center, at 5700 Briarwood Ave, donated by the Henry Foundation. The new park, built with a budget of about $3 million, including support from the Midland Development Corporation, held its grand opening on Oct. 3, 2020.

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The Bush Tennis Center, a 501(c)3 nonprofit private facility, maintains and operates it, and because the park is privately funded, it relies on donations for upkeep, new equipment, and improvements. Nearly two generations after the original park opened, Chris Davidson Opportunity Park continues to give Midland children of all abilities a place to play together.

Go deeper: The park is organized into four quadrants that serve different ages and abilities. Features include a ramped play unit for wheelchair access, adaptive swings and zip lines, a custom train-themed play area, climbing walls, slides, monkey bars, and other traditional playground equipment with adaptive access. Turf covers the play surfaces, and shade is prioritized throughout.

An elevated gazebo offers a good viewing spot for caregivers, while two shaded pavilion seating areas make longer stays comfortable. The gazebo and pavilions can be reserved online for parties or events. You can also contact the Bush Tennis Center at 432-620-8180 or email [email protected].