The Kiwanis Club of Lapeer has a dream, and it sure is a beautiful one.
Slowly but surely, the Kiwanis Club is working toward what they call a legacy project – one that will have a positive ripple effect on the community for years to come: an inclusive playground.
The tennis courts at Rowden Park in Lapeer have been torn out, and the site is cleared and waiting for the day when construction can begin on this dream.
The playground will remove physical and social barriers that keep individuals with physical limitations and special needs from enjoying some playgrounds. With this project, the Kiwanis Club has a mission to provide a fun play experience for EVERYONE. What an honorable goal!
Of course, a dream of this magnitude takes money to make it happen, and every little bit counts. Journey Therapy Center recently made a donation of $6,000 toward this project, and we encourage anyone and everyone who can give – even just a little – to consider supporting the dream of a playground that will allow all our kids to play, no matter the challenges they are living with.
The playground will connect parents, too, which is so important. Parents of kids with special needs often feel isolated, so this judgment-free playground will serve as a bridge to build a stronger community. It will also attract people to Lapeer County from outside areas, because let’s face it – there aren’t a lot of options for inclusive play.
While actively fundraising, the Kiwanis Club has also been revising the playground design to incorporate new elements geared toward accessibility and inclusivity. There’s a long way to go to reach the funding level needed for the playground. If you can’t make a donation, consider participating in the Kiwanis Club’s 5K 4 the Kidz run/walk fundraiser to benefit the inclusive playground project at 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 7, at Rowden Park. To register for the race or to donate, visit register.chronotrack.com/r/85255.
Sponsors are also being sought for the event. Visit kiwanislapeer.org/5K or contact Sallie Morey at 810-240-4542 to learn more.
Let’s do what we can to help make this playground happen for ALL kids!