Hidden amongst the old beech trees within the limits of Maple Hill Cemetery in Huntsville, Alabama lies the Dead Children's Playground, which in local stories is said to be haunted by the children buried nearby. Maple Hill Park was founded in 1822.

Some people say that it is the spirits of the cemetery's children that come out to play. ^[1] Another legend tells of several children who were abducted around 1960 and their bodies found in the vicinity of the Dead Children's Playground. ^[2]

The stories about unnatural phenomena are many.

Swings are moving by themselves ^[3] and sometimes the ghosts of children are seen playing at the grounds. People have also heard laughter and children calling out, when no one has been in the area. Orbs of light have been caught on photos that are presumed to be the spirits of the dead children. These phenomenon often occur between 10:00 PM to 3:00 AM, which is considered too late for children to be out alone playing by themselves. ^[-1]

In fall 2007, the city of Huntsville tried to remove the playground to increase the area for more tombs and graves.

This was done overnight and by the following morning the playground had been torn away and the area cleared.

A public outcry made the plans stop and new equipment was installed.

The disturbance had no effect on the hauntings on the playground.

In 2008, the Alabama Paranormal Society inspected the area of Dead Children's Playground.

One of the investigators managed to capture a female on photo.

^[-1] In 2012, the Alabama Paranormal Association inspected the area of the playground and obtained Electronic Voice Phenomena recordings of children's voices as well as video of the swings in motion.