2020 Legacy of Play Winner awarded by Kiwanis International and Landscape Structures, Inc.
What is an All Inclusive Playground? “Inclusive” means everyone, no one excluded. Children and adults can play together without any stigma from others which helps them to understand each other’s abilities and disabilities. Wheelchairs have access to almost every piece on the rubberized surface, children with crutches, no stones or wood chips to stumble on. The children run all over it in their bare feet!
There are educational activity panels, musical chimes, pipes and drum, ZipKrooz, We-Saw, We-Go-Round, gaga pit, benches and others. Our community had no park that could meet these needs. Chautauqua Park benefits many people from our surrounding area with a large shelter house, walking path, restrooms and an historic band shell with weekly concerts during the summer.
~ Idea: It all starts with an idea. So, what started out with an idea of placing one piece of “handicapped” equipment, came the question, “Why don’t we just put in a whole new playground?” “We can’t put in a playground”. “We don’t have enough members to do it”. “How will we raise the money needed?” “It will take forever to get it done!” Yes, all valid questions, but the answers came after determination, brainstorming, and time.
~ The Plan:
The committee of six members contacted the City of Worthington. Chautauqua Park was designated for the updated playground. The City contributed $100,000.00 at the beginning of this project, which was very much appreciated. Much time was spent researching equipment, drafting the plan, designing a brochure, putting a campaign together, discussing a large fundraiser, and much more. Grant possibilities were researched with many companies, organizations and corporations. An application was submitted for the Worthington Regional Health Care Foundation matching grant. The project was awarded a matching $125,000.00 grant from the Worthington Regional Health Care Foundation the week before Christmas 2019.
~ Motivation
Blaine Frisch became the committee’s motivation throughout this project. We asked if the family would write a note to let people know what this playground would mean to him. They wrote a note and gave the committee approval to us it:
The following is an excerpt:
“At three months old Blaine had his second MRI and we learned that he was born with a rate genetic disorder known as Joubert Syndrome. Children with Joubert Syndrome have low muscle tone, difficulties with coordination, abnormal eye movements, visual impairments, abnormal breathing patterns (including apnea) and intellectual disability. “What an all inclusive playground will mean for us is that Blaine will be able to explore and wander the playground independently, he will have more opportunities to be engaged with other children and hopefully make a new friend. This playground will also have accessible surfacing and sufficient space to maneuver between equipment and onto the equipment – which means Blaine will be able to transfer himself onto the playground equipment. We are thrilled to see all of the equipment that multiple kids can use together. Blaine will be able to play more with other kids, his sister, and even us (his parents). When we talk about the park with Blaine and show him pictures of what is coming he gets excited and will give a shrieking shout of “YAY!!”, taps his chest and says “Me too, I can do it, I can play.” It’s heartwarming to know he already feels included. A lot of time, thought, research went into the plans for this park. We are looking forward to seeing children from all abilities play together and explore the colors, textures, enclosures, fencing, sensory stimulus activities and the other great features that has been planned for this park. It is going to be a great atmosphere for the kids and adults to play TOGETHER. Our community is fortunate to have this opportunity.Thank you Early Risers Kiwanis for investing into our community.
Sincerely, The Frisch’s: Dan, Amber, Blaine and Kaycee
~ Hit the Streets”
On January 4, 2020 the committee had divided into three groups of two and “hit the streets”. In six weeks 175 businesses, organizations and individuals were approached in person as well as presentations and programs presented. The committee had 60 percent raised.
~ Oops, COVID-19
Then, COVID-19 hit and everything stopped. However, many grants were applied for and only four were awarded for the project as businesses/companies weren’t awarding them due to the pandemic. We understood.
~ Fundraising, a Challenge
Because of the pandemic, there were no official fundraisers held, except a pumpkin painting for the children in the fall in a local grocery store’s parking lot. Fundraising was only the selling of the pickets for the fencing around the three sides of the playground. A fence is recommended for children with autism, for example, and also that children know there is a barrier for safety. Each picket was sold for $75.00 with up to 20 characters and spaces printed in multi-colored letters. The fence contained 305 pickets.
~ Surprise and Amazement!
The committee worked hours through the application for the Legacy of Play grant awarded through Kiwanis International. Determination and desire to win was the motivation. This $25,000.00 grant for equipment is sponsored by Kiwanis International and Landscape Structures, Inc., which is the company the equipment was purchased. The committee was notified that we were chosen with 40+ other clubs throughout the world. The public could vote once in a 24 hour period for ten days and this playground was in the top five finalists. A committee from Kiwanis International and Landscape Structures discuss the finalists and choose the winner.
We were notified with a phone call on a Wednesday noon that we received this grant – the best playground from applications from throughout the world!! We were elated and in disbelief!! The committee kept it a secret and wanted to announce it to the club at the Thursday morning meeting. The decision was made that the radio station, Worthington Regional Health Care Foundation, City of Worthington and others would be recognized with appreciation that morning. So, we received a call during the meeting (planned ahead) from Landscape Structures, the call was received and it was announced to the club personally from the company.
~ Paid and Delivered
The check for the payment of the equipment was presented to the City Council. Two weeks before Christmas 2020, two Smith Trucking semi-trailers picked up the equipment from the manufacturer, Landscape Structures, Delano, Minnesota. Some of the committee members drove there to watch the equipment being loaded. The trucks delivered it to Worthington and it was stored for spring 2021 installation.
~ Installation Installation began in the summer of 2021. All of the work crews throughout this project were given snacks, lunches and beverages donated by the club members while they were working. It was a great time and very rewarding to get to know all of them. It was decided that the dirt/fill for the gaga pit and donor wall needed to settle over the winter. In the spring of 2022 the final stages of the concrete for the gaga pit, benches and donor wall were completed.
~ “It’s a God thing” This was said so many times we lost count as $453,000.00 was raised in about eight months through a pandemic. Many thanks to so many who contributed to this project as it couldn’t have been done without you. The committee actually prayed two different times with praise for all God had done to bring this project to completion. They knew it wasn’t them.
The dedication of the All Inclusive Playground was held in July 2022. Blaine cut the ribbon!
~ “Best thing I’ve ever done” Two committee members made this statement to a lady on a call from Kiwanis International. It truly was the most satisfying thing with the exception of raising a family.
~ All Inclusive Playground
2020 Legacy of Play Winner
awarded by
Kiwanis International and Landscape Structures, Inc.
What is an All Inclusive Playground?
“Inclusive” means everyone, no one excluded. Children and adults can play together without any stigma from others which helps them to understand each other’s abilities and disabilities. Wheelchairs have access to almost every piece on the rubberized surface, children with crutches, no stones or wood chips to stumble on. The children run all over it in their bare feet!
There are educational activity panels, musical chimes, pipes and drum, ZipKrooz, We-Saw, We-Go-Round, gaga pit, benches and others. Our community had no park that could meet these needs. Chautauqua Park benefits many people from our surrounding area with a large shelter house, walking path, restrooms and an historic band shell with weekly concerts during the summer.
~ Idea: It all starts with an idea. So, what started out with an idea of placing one piece of “handicapped” equipment, came the question, “Why don’t we just put in a whole new playground?” “We can’t put in a playground”. “We don’t have enough members to do it”. “How will we raise the money needed?” “It will take forever to get it done!” Yes, all valid questions, but the answers came after determination, brainstorming, and time.
~ The Plan:
The committee of six members contacted the City of Worthington. Chautauqua Park was designated for the updated playground. The City contributed $100,000.00 at the beginning of this project, which was very much appreciated. Much time was spent researching equipment, drafting the plan, designing a brochure, putting a campaign together, discussing a large fundraiser, and much more.
Grant possibilities were researched with many companies, organizations and corporations. An application was submitted for the Worthington Regional Health Care Foundation matching grant. The project was awarded a matching $125,000.00 grant from the Worthington Regional Health Care Foundation the week before Christmas 2019.
~ Motivation
Blaine Frisch became the committee’s motivation throughout this project. We asked if the family would write a note to let people know what this playground would mean to him. They wrote a note and gave the committee approval to us it:
~ Hit the Streets”
On January 4, 2020 the committee had divided into three groups of two and “hit the streets”. In six weeks 175 businesses, organizations and individuals were approached in person as well as presentations and programs presented. The committee had 60 percent raised.
~ Oops, COVID-19
Then, COVID-19 hit and everything stopped. However, many grants were applied for and only four were awarded for the project as businesses/companies weren’t awarding them due to the pandemic. We understood.
~ Fundraising, a Challenge
Because of the pandemic, there were no official fundraisers held, except a pumpkin painting for the children in the fall in a local grocery store’s parking lot. Fundraising was only the selling of the pickets for the fencing around the three sides of the playground. A fence is recommended for children with autism, for example, and also that children know there is a barrier for safety. Each picket was sold for $75.00 with up to 20 characters and spaces printed in multi-colored letters. The fence contained 305 pickets.
~ Surprise and Amazement!
The committee worked hours through the application for the Legacy of Play grant awarded through Kiwanis International. Determination and desire to win was the motivation. This $25,000.00 grant for equipment is sponsored by Kiwanis International and Landscape Structures, Inc., which is the company the equipment was purchased. The committee was notified that we were chosen with 40+ other clubs throughout the world. The public could vote once in a 24 hour period for ten days and this playground was in the top five finalists. A committee from Kiwanis International and Landscape Structures discuss the finalists and choose the winner.
We were notified with a phone call on a Wednesday noon that we received this grant – the best playground from applications from throughout the world!! We were elated and in disbelief!! The committee kept it a secret and wanted to announce it to the club at the Thursday morning meeting. The decision was made that the radio station, Worthington Regional Health Care Foundation, City of Worthington and others would be recognized with appreciation that morning. So, we received a call during the meeting (planned ahead) from Landscape Structures, the call was received and it was announced to the club personally from the company.
~ Paid and Delivered
The check for the payment of the equipment was presented to the City Council. Two weeks before Christmas 2020, two Smith Trucking semi-trailers picked up the equipment from the manufacturer, Landscape Structures, Delano, Minnesota. Some of the committee members drove there to watch the equipment being loaded. The trucks delivered it to Worthington and it was stored for spring 2021 installation.
~ Installation
Installation began in the summer of 2021. All of the work crews throughout this project were given snacks, lunches and beverages donated by the club members while they were working. It was a great time and very rewarding to get to know all of them. It was decided that the dirt/fill for the gaga pit and donor wall needed to settle over the winter. In the spring of 2022 the final stages of the concrete for the gaga pit, benches and donor wall were completed.
~ “It’s a God thing”
This was said so many times we lost count as $453,000.00 was raised in about eight months through a pandemic. Many thanks to so many who contributed to this project as it couldn’t have been done without you. The committee actually prayed two different times with praise for all God had done to bring this project to completion. They knew it wasn’t them.
The dedication of the All Inclusive Playground was held in July 2022. Blaine cut the ribbon!
~ “Best thing I’ve ever done”
Two committee members made this statement to a lady on a call from Kiwanis International. It truly was the most satisfying thing with the exception of raising a family.