A unique playground is giving children with disabilities the chance to experience sensations, like sliding down a slide, for the very first time. The handicapped accessible playground is located in Grand Traverse County's Blair Township and theres not another one like it north of Grand Rapids.
By Courtney Rehmer
Friday, July 25, 2008 at 5:52 p.m.
Read more: Local
Mother of seven kids its safe to say that Mary Gummere has her hands full and with two of her youngest Elizabeth and Luc, both with special needs, a new unique playground is making it possible for the entire family to enjoy a favorite past time.
" I can get closer to the equipment as opposed to before I had to walk up and carry 50 to 60 pound kids up there and back…and doing it more than three or four times can be very tiring," mother Mary Gummere said.
“We can't do it at other playgrounds because they're not handicapped. I feel really bad for them because all they can do is sit on the grass and eat and that's not much fun," sister Simone Gummere said.
Instead of sitting in her wheelchair Elizabeth is way to busy swinging and sliding, a day when she can forget about her limitations and be a kid.
“It was hysterical she just had the best time. She got off and wanted to do it again and again,” said Mary.
“We were going to make this playground accessible for anyone, anyone can come and have fun whether their age 2 to 92, or have disabilities or don't,” Blair Township’s Brenda DeKuiper said.
Efforts to bring the handicapped accessible playground to Blair Township began three years ago. To date more than 160--thousand dollars have been raised costing taxpayers absolutely nothing from their pockets. Its elements like this soft padded platform and transfer stations located throughout the entire area that makes the playground more user friendly, additions that allow Renee Louvierre-Mitchell to follow daughter six year old Jenna every step of the way.
“I get to be part of their play which is really excellent. I've always had to sit on the sidelines and watch them play," mother Renee Louvierre-Mitchell said.
Nowadays the last place Renee is is on the sidelines instead shes chasing Jenna all around the playground creating precious memories that before weren't possible.
The township is planning to add even more additions to the playground like a fit and fun center and a glider. For more information, or to find out how you can help, contact the Blair Township Office at 231 276-9266.
