Young Girl's Wish to Make Play Accessible to All Is Realized at Taylor's Dream Playground in Fort Wayne, Ind.

Source: Playworld Systems

LEWISBURG, PA - Playworld Systems, a leading manufacturer of imaginative, customized commercial play and fitness equipment, has announced the opening of a new inclusive playground in Fort Wayne, Ind., which features the company's equipment. The ribbon-cutting for Taylor's Dream Playground in Kreager Park took place on June 10, with numerous local dignitaries, financial supporters, residents and representatives from Playworld Midstates, Boundless Playgrounds, CVS/pharmacy, Pepsico, Turnstone, League for the Blind and Disabled, YMCA, AWS and Easter Seals Arc joining the celebration. The idea of Taylor's Dream Playground began when an 11-year-old girl, Taylor Reuille, realized that there were children with disabilities who couldn't fully utilize many playgrounds. Four years later, the new inclusive playground in Fort Wayne allows children of all abilities to play together, and includes amenities that address the needs of children with physical, developmental, cognitive and sensory disabilities. "This playground is even better than I imagined, and I know it's because so many people worked together to make it a reality," said Reuille. "Now my friend Mallory, who was my inspiration for this playground, can play with all the other kids. No one has to sit by the sidelines and feel left out anymore." After Taylor's Dream won the Pepsi Refresh Challenge last summer, the playground was awarded $70,000, with $40,000 made possible by CVS/pharmacy as part of their All Kids Can program and $30,000 from a Pepsi Refresh grant. "We are excited that our equipment is helping to make Taylor's dream a reality," said Ian Proud, research manager for Playworld Systems. "Playground equipment plays a vital role in the social development of all children and everyone involved in building Fort Wayne's newest recreational area has done an outstanding job of bringing inclusive play to local residents." Taylor's Dream at Kreager Park will have three pods of playground equipment and activity areas, a splash pad, accessible parking, ramps and walkways, and a picnic pavilion. The new play area features:• The Alpha Pod, designed for younger children (2 - 5 years), provides opportunities for parallel play, as well as group and solitary play. It also encourages role playing, socialization and creative, imaginative play. Educational panels help children identify shapes and colors.

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