Playpark Update

The playpark is happening !

In 2019 I was approached by Jason Lake, the Director of Parks and Rec, about contributing ideas for a possible inclusive playground in Decatur. It really excited me and planted a seed in my mind about what it could look like. One day while I driving through my neighborhood, I noticed a huge field beside my church that I had seen literally thousands of times and all of a sudden I could envision it……the playground could go here!

I pitched the idea to Brother Orville Collins and the Grace Life Church staff and they decided that a playground for people of all abilities would be a great use of the property. The church voted unanimously to donate the unused land to the City of Decatur for the Everyday Sunshine Playpark ! We’re working together with the City to raise the money and build a 100% inclusive playground. How exciting is that?

During the planning process we reached out to lots of parents in the disabilities community for their ideas and input for the park. We’ve met with NARCOG to discuss how this park could be used by senior citizens. We’ve spoken with the Alabama Association for the Deaf. We’ve spoken with physical therapists about how the space could be used for physical therapy. Landscape Architect John Underwood designed the park’s layout by combining all of the suggestions and we think that you will be thrilled to come and play.

The equipment has been specifically chosen so that people of EVERY age and EVERY ability could do EVERY single thing offered. It will be totally wheelchair accessible with clearly marked transition points. The entire park will be fenced in so that you don’t have to worry about your child running off. There will be quiet spots in case you get overwhelmed by all of the sights and sounds. Man, we’re going to have a ton of fun…..