DES MOINES, IA – By fall, preschoolers of all abilities in eastern Polk County will have a place to play together thanks to the Altoona Kiwanis, Central Place Family Resource Center and the Southeast Polk School District.
"It's a joint venture between the three of us," said Clay Elementary Principal Lea Morris. The playground will be located at Clay Elementary in Altoona, but will be open to all area preschoolers.
It is for preschool students for all abilities," Morris said. "So we're getting things that are accessible to all challenges, all physical challenges – this playground will be for preschool students, ages three to five, with any physical mobility issues.
"We're catering it to really all kids because we want all kids to play together. So we're calling it an all-inclusive playground," Morris said.
According to Kiwanis member Margaret Ludington, "The playground was designed with input of educators and parents to maximize the developmental benefits, safety and fun and so that no child has to sit on the sidelines."
The playground will cost approximately $68,500 ,and about $35,000 has been raised for the project through grants and donations. "We're getting there," said Altoona Kiwanis President Donna Ward.
According to Morris, they hope to have the money raised for the project by mid-summer and will start construction in the fall.
The playground was designed by Boland Recreation and will feature Miracle Recreation Equipment Company playground equipment.
All equipment on the playground is designed to be used by preschoolers regardless of mobility and features ramps instead of stairs to allow for wheelchairs and walkers. The playground will be surfaced with a rubberized safety surface, which will not only protect children from falls, but also be a smoother surface for wheelchairs and walkers.
"We're trying to create an environment that for one is preschool friendly because most playgrounds are designed for children in the elementary age, six and up," Ludington said.
Posted
Jun 24 2008, 08:35 PM
by
Scott Smith