Politics & Government

Local Group, City Win $60K for Inclusive Playground

The money will be used to design and purchase equipment for a local park that will be available to kids of all abilities.

A local volunteer group and the recently scored $60,000 to help remodel the .

They were selected as a regional runner-up of the Landscape Structures and Shane’s Inspiration Essay Contest.Β 

According to the City Park Playground Committee Chair, Stephanie Payne, the group was among more than 100 applicants--9 from Washington--that submitted an essay to the Minnesota-based company this summer.

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(Click on the PDF to read the winning essay and letters from local officials.)

"A lot of the moms that are on the committee have kids with special needs, and we've been together for the last 10 years advocating for our kids," she said. "Some of the people that are on the committee helped bring the Boundless playground. Now the City of Gig Harbor would like to have a universal playground that incorporates inclusive play."

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For the prize, Landscape Structures Inc. will provide $10,000 in inclusive playground equipment while Shane's Inspiration will supply $50,000 for design, project development and comprehensive educational program services.

Payne said if the committee successfully collects $100,000 for the Maritime Play Zone, the City will match $100,000 from the 2012 budget.

At , Payne said people requested a fenced playground with swings and equipment for children of all abilities. They also wanted to bring back the fishing vessel that was taken down about 3 years ago due to safety reasons.

The committee is currently working with the Gig Harbor Commercial Fisherman's Club to design a replica of a modern-day fishing vessel using durable materials.Β 

The City Park Playground Committee will be presenting the project plans to the City Council and Parks Commission this Wednesday, Oct. 5.

For more information, contact committee chair, Stephanie Payne at ghmaritimeplayzone@gmail.com.

You can also learn more at the downtown on Oct. 31 where the committee will be handing out child tattoos and answering any questions on the project.


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