Summer is right around the corner and one of the most beloved activities for most kids is heading to the park. However, some children with disabilities are unable to access the park equipment. A company called Boundless Playgrounds, Inc. has developed inclusive playgrounds that make it possible for children and adults of all abilities to utilize their playgrounds. The first of Indiana’s Boundless playgrounds will be open on Memorial Day in Fort Wayne, IN at Fort Wayne’s Kreager Park.
Boundless Playgrounds creates playgrounds based on the requirements of American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and prides itself on going beyond the minimum requirements to provide a truly all-encompassing play environment. Their goal is to meet the needs of anyone with a physical, developmental, cognitive or sensory disability. This makes it possible for all children to be able to swing, slide and explore the playground. Boundless Playgrounds creates parks that have elevated play tables, ramped wheelchair access to the highest platform center, swings and equipment with back support and much more.
The playground in Fort Wayne was made possible by Taylor Reuille. Reuille, is an 8th grader at Woodlan Jr./Sr. High School. She recognized that many children with disabilities were not able to play at a regular playground and decided to start a grassroots effort to raise money for the playground. Taylor started “Taylor’s Dream” to make this dream become a reality. Through her efforts and with a number of Northeast Indiana organizations they raised the necessary $1.3 million to build the park.
This playground will have a 42,000 square-foot play area. It will have 3 areas of equipment and activity areas, a play ground and accessible ramps, walkways, picnic pavilion and parking. The park is schedule to open Memorial Day and will have an Opening Day Ceremony on Friday June 10th, 2011 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Kreager Park is located at 7225 North River Road Fort Wayne, Indiana. There will be food, music and give-a-ways at the opening day event.
To learn more about this park and Taylor’s dream visit www.taylorsdream.com. You can also learn more about Boundless Playgrounds at www.boundlessplaygrounds.org.