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Question 1 What is unique about the playground, “A Dream Come True”? “A Dream Come True” is a playground designed for children with and without disabilities to be able to play together on the same playground. Traditional playground equipment will be intermingled with specialized playground equipment so that all children will be able to enjoy spending an afternoon visiting “A Dream Come True.” The playground will be both inclusive and accessible. What is inclusive play? What is accessible play?
Inclusive Play The idea of inclusive play involves children with disabilities and children without disabilities playing together on the same playground. “A Dream Come True” An Accessible Playground, will incorporate play equipment for children with a wide range of ability levels intermingled within the same playground. The objective is for children to be able to play together. It is important for each child to feel included in playground play. We want to do everything to avoid a child feeling either isolated or completely excluded from playground play.
Accessible Play The idea of accessible play involves creating a playground that will enable children and adults to get to the play equipment. The paths or routes leading to the playground need to be barrier free. The ADA guidelines are a great place to begin in planning for a playground, but it is important to consider situations that go beyond the basic requirements set by the ADA. The accessibility issue begins from the time the family parks their car until the child is enjoying the playground. The idea of accessible play continues once a child or adult arrives at the playground equipment. It is vital that they are able to play on the equipment.
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Question 2 How much does the “A Dream Come True” Accessible Inclusive Playground cost to build? The playground continues to be an all volunteer effort and as of January 2008, the estimated cost of the playground equipment and the accessible ground covering is more than $400,000. The volunteers have raised approximated $238,000 through grants, donations from citizens in our community, churches, universities, civic organizations, the Department of Parks and Recreation, fundraising projects and school groups. We are so thankful to each and every person who has reached out to the playground project and made a donation. Every penny, nickel and dime has added up to the total funds raised today. The Total cost of the “A Dream Come True” Playground project is estimated to be $1.5 million. The City of Harrisonburg is covering the cost of the new park that is being built on Neff Avenue where the “A Dream Come True” Playground will be located. The “A Dream Come True” Volunteers are very thankful to the City of Harrisonburg and the Department of Parks and Recreation for the tremendous support and encouragement of our community service project.
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Question 3
How can I help with the playground project?
Civic Groups, Church Groups and Businesses We would love to be invited to speak to your group about the playground project. It is wonderful to be able to tell people about the playground and have the opportunity to answer questions in person. We are available to come to your meetings most evenings and weekends. We look forward to hearing from you!
Ideas for civic groups, church groups and businesses: we currently need a couple of groups to organize and run fundraising events. We have the offers for the fundraisers we just do not have the manpower we need to run the events.
More groups would also we helpful in the area of publicity. We are experiencing problems telling the community about our project. It would be so wonderful if we had a group or two that would assist us in the area.
Any business that is aware of Foundation Funds that are available to community projects in the Harrisonburg area, please contact us. We are finding that our support is coming from grants and foundation donations that are dedicated to the valley and to community service projects.
For each of the above suggestions, please contact Barbara Harkins, playground volunteer coordinator
Tell People about the Playground This might sound like an easy thing to do, but it has been very difficult for us to spread the word about “A Dream Come True” over the past seven years. We would love for the name of the playground to become a household word. The more people that know about the project and understand the purpose for the playground, the better our chances are of raising the remaining needed money. Spread the word please!
Hold a Fundraising Event for the Playground We would be very thankful to anyone or any group that would like to hold a fundraising event on behalf of the playground project. Each and every donation matters and it is so important to us that the community is involved with the playground. Thank you for wanting to get involved.
Fundraising Ideas for Families: Yard Sales; Lemonade Stands for children (we love to have children help with the playground / please keep an eye on your kids so we do not worry about them :) ; car wash or a bake sale.
If you do choose to do a fundraising event, please mail your donation to: The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg and Rockingham Attention: A Dream Come True Playground Fund P.O. Box 1068 Harrisonburg, VA 22803 (make checks payable to The Community Foundation)
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Question 4
Where do I send a donation? The Community Foundation of Harrisonburg and Rockingham Attention: “A Dream Come True” Playground Fund P.O. Box 1068 Harrisonburg, VA 22803
All donations made to the “A Dream Come True” Playground Fund through The Community Foundation are tax deductible. You will receive a letter from The Community Foundation, documenting your donation. Thank you for supporting the playground project.
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Question 6
Who will be able to play on the “A Dream Come True” Playground?
Everyone! Our playground is being designed to include children of all ability levels. We want all children playing together. Children with and without disabilities will be able to play together. Children will be challenged at their level of ability.
Playground equipment is being designed so that the specialized equipment is going to be placed near the traditional play equipment. Children of two different ability levels will be able to play next to one another doing two entirely different activities. |
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Harrisonburg, Virginia |