Crowdfunding campaign launched for inclusive playground
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Missouri-based Unlimited Play Inc. has launched a crowdfunding campaign to build what it says will be the first inclusive playground in Posey County. The nonprofit is looking to raise $50,000 for the Avery’s Place Playground, which could receive a matching grant from the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority if the goal is reached.
The nonprofit said Monday the funding will be used to transform a vacant space into a destination playground designed for all children, including those with disabilities.
The project was initiated by Sydney Deno, a student at Mt. Vernon High School. The playground is named for Avery Beste, who had multiple mental and physical disabilities due to a genetic disorder known as Partial Trisomy 13. Beste passed away in 2008 at the age of 18.
“Children of all backgrounds and abilities should have the opportunity to engage in play with their peers,” Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch said in a news release. “Avery’s Place Playground addresses that expectation and I am impressed by the initiative taken by Sydney to bring this idea forward.”
The funding will support various aspects of the playground, including ramps from top to bottom, specialized seating and handholds, transfer stations, musical elements, and slides, swings, and other equipment.
The crowdfunding campaign is being hosted on Patronicity. You can also learn more about the project by clicking here.
Unlimited Play Inc. aims to raise $50,000 by June 15. If the goal is reached, the IHCDA will provide a matching grant through its CreatINg Places program.
The program is availably to projects in Indiana communities made through nonprofit entities or local units of government.
The IHCDA says since the CreatINg Places program’s inception in 2016, more than $7.5 million in public funds have been raised, along with an additional $6.3 million in matching funds.