Model Diagram of an Inclusive Playground

Join us in making the first wheelchair accessible and Autism friendly all inclusive playground in Coral Springs. This playground is being designed to meet the needs of children of all mental and physical abilities.

WE WANT TO THANK ALL OF OUR GENEROUS DONORS, see the growing list of contributors here.

Read the story of how Sarah Ramos is leading the effort to build an all inclusive playground and what you can do to help! See the article featured in the Sun Sentinel click here

Watch the You Tube Video at Sherwood Forest Park site of the future all inclusive playground click here.

A HUGE thank you to all or our sponsors, underwriters, and attendees at the All Kids Can Play Day at Riverside Park in Coral Springs, on April 3, 2011. A special thank you to ARONSON LAW FIRM of Miami, FDR Financial in Hollywood, The Puzzling Piece and Whole Foods of Coral Springs for their generous contributions to the event! Our event was a BIG SUCCESS and we raised over $900.

We THANK all of the contributors to our event raffle- Falafel Bistro, Massage Envy, Red Wagon Toy Store, Tunies, and more! We also want to thank our refreshment vendors: Sir Pizza, Jamba Juice, Rings of Hope and Whole Foods.

TEENAGERS CAN CHANGE THE WORLD

Dear Friends

Have you ever wondered what happens to children in wheelchairs or with other disabilities when they go to the park? Have you ever seen a child or parent, who wanted to play with their child on the swing but couldn’t because of a disability? The amazing thing is, this is a very easy problem to solve and I would like to share with you my vision of how this is possible.

My name is Sarah Ramos, I am 17 years old, and I plan to help build an all inclusive playground in my community. I have been interested in building a playground that is accessible to children and adults of all abilities for several years. My interest began, when I started ninth grade and went to school for the first time with kids who were in wheelchairs. I became inspired by my friend Matthew who is wheelchair bound. During break time at school, we go to a nearby park. Sometimes Matthew and a few other kids in wheelchairs were not able to come with us to the playground. I went home from school one day and started doing some research about playgrounds for children in wheelchairs. I came across many organizations devoted to building wheelchair accessible playgrounds. These playgrounds offer something for every child. This was the start of my journey to build an inclusive playground in my own community.

I discovered that most playgrounds are not accessible to children and adults in wheelchairs or with other disabilities. I have also learned that it is possible to make playgrounds fully accessible to people of all abilities. I began thinking - shouldn’t every playground be accessible to everyone regardless of their ability?

I guess my interest also came from the fact that I too had many things to overcome in my early childhood. Early on I had a language delay and social and behavioral issues related to being in the Autism Spectrum. This meant that going to school, interacting with other kids, getting along, and be a part of social groups was very hard for me. I know what it is like to be on the outside looking in. Making playgrounds available to everyone is so easy to fix, it just takes commitment, vision and the resources to make it happen. So with the help of my family, friends, and other visionaries we are now at the point we can make this vision a reality.

HOW TO MAKE THE Playground DREAM COME TRUE…

Here is where we are with the project today.

1. The City of Coral Springs has already designated a piece of land to use for the proposed playground.
2. The Rotary Club of Coral Springs has joined us in being the non-profit organization that will help in handling the donations and making your donations entirely tax deductible.
3. Through the Rotary Club, 100% of your donation will go towards building the playground.
4. Governor Christ has pledged to build 100 boundless playgrounds in the next 10 years. We hope to keep this promise with our new governor. Read my letter to Governor Scott
5. Come out and support us on April 3, 2011 at the ALL KIDS CAN PLAY DAY in Coral Springs at Riverside Park.

Many of our veterans, fire fighters and police have been injured in the line of duty serving our country and communities. Many people have been injured in accidents or disabled by medical illness. These people may have younger children and will not be able to play with them on regular playgrounds. We as a community have a responsibility to care for each other.

For families of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders, going to the playground can be a challenge. We hope to provide a fence around the playground with one entry and exit so parents can keep track of their children easier. We also plan to have a Sensory Corner featuring equipment and activities of interest to all children but especially kids with Autism.

Please consider making a donation to make this vision, and my dream, which will benefit everyone, come true.

Sincerely, Sarah Ramos

For more information on how you can become involved please call us at 561-901-3966 or email: alfjar@aol.com

To donate make checks payable to Parkland-Coral Springs Rotary Club and mail to: Playground Project C/O Dr Aronson-Ramos

5350 West Hillsboro Blvd #207

Coconut Creek, FL 33073

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!