Indiana's First Boundless Playground Campaign Announced:
Mayor Henry and Director Moll Kick off a $1.3 Million Public Campaign by Accepting Funds from Grassroots Group Called "Taylor's Friendship Circle".
Fort Wayne, IN: Mayor Tom Henry and Al Moll, Director of Parks & Recreation, called on city residents to support a $1.3 million public campaign for Indiana's first Boundless Playground. City Council members and representatives from Turnstone and League for the Blind & Disabled added their support to the project today.
"There are more than 100 Boundless Playgrounds across the nation, and we are proud to create Indiana's first facility of this nature," said Mayor Henry. "This venue, which is the vision and dream of 6th-grader Taylor Reuille, will serve the region's families and children with disabilities."
The Fort Wayne Boundless Playground movement, called Taylor's Friendship Circle, got started when Taylor, a student at Harlan Elementary School, realized that there are many kids with disabilities who couldn't play at playgrounds in this area. She researched and found that a Boundless Playground would offer amazing play opportunities for children with and without disabilities, including those with physical, sensory, developmental and cognitive disabilities.
Taylor and her Mother, Kasandra Booher, presented the first Boundless Playground private contribution to the Mayor totaling $10,758.43. These proceeds came from small fundraisers that have been organized throughout the past few months, including funds contributed by Taylor's teachers and fellow classmates at Harlan Elementary. They donated their nickels and dimes to the project.
"While the Kreager Endowment at
the Parks & Recreation Department has submitted the first major private gift of
$250,000 and the land for the facility, this project will require both public
and private financial support," said Moll. "Taylor's dream provides an excellent
opportunity for the community to get behind a great cause for the right reason."
Fort Wayne's Boundless Playground at Kreager Park will have three pods of playground equipment and activity areas, a splash pad, accessible ramps and walkways, a picnic pavilion and accessible parking. Landscaping will add to the sensory experience of the facility, as will the multiple types of surface used in the various pods, including sand, poured-in-place rubber, mulch and natural turf.
“Playing is critical to child
development and health, and this funding campaign would provide ‘play equity’
for all those who wish to participate. Indiana’s first Boundless Playground will
be a wonderful and needed addition to our City and region!”
Al Moll, Director, Parks & Recreation
For details about the Boundless Playground and for those interested in helping support the campaign, visit www.fortwayneparks.org or call 260-427-6000.
Checks made payable to the Fort Wayne Park Foundation may be sent to 705 E. State Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN 46805.