When Andrew was little, like all kids, he loved to go to the playground and swing on the swings, climb the monkey bars and build sandcastles. Even with his lack of mobility, he found a way to get around and I was always there to help him through, up, around and on the equipment. As he got older however, the sand or gravel bottoms that are typical of playgrounds were not wheelchair friendly and as he grew it also became more and more difficult to help him to maneuver playground equipment.
Enter Possibility Playground. Possibility Playground, located on Lake Michigan at Port Washing Bluff in Upper Lake, is designed for children with special needs as well as parents or grandparents who use wheelchairs and was developed by Sue Mayer, whose son Sam has Down's syndrome, with help from Mardy McGarry, Sam's special education teacher. This project has been a year and a half in the making and construction is underway right now! It is being built over the course of five days by community volunteers. They still need volunteers, drinks and various food donations at the site.
It will be a sunny weekend and if you want to make a difference, give back, get some exercise or if your kids are like Andrew, who wants little kids in chairs to have the opportunity that he did not- head over to Possibility Playground. Some facts about Possibility Playground:
- The playground is the size of a football field with a playboard rubber surface and double wide ramping to make it wheelchair accessible.
- Specific therapeutic aspects of the playground will help children work on coordination, core muscle strength and walking as well as numerous slides, tunnels, high and low monkey bars and rings will keep kids busy for hours.
- A centrally located pirate ship, rock wall and lighthouse will add to the experience.
On Saturday, we will join in and lend a hand to help build this wonderful playground for all- hope to see you there!
