Press release from Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation:
Dr. John Crawford Donates $27,000 to Boundless Playground
(April 15, 2010) Eminent Radiation Oncologist and former City Councilman Dr. John Crawford announced a $27,000 gift to Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Director Al Moll today for the state’s first Boundless Playground Project. Dr. Crawford’s donation will take the total raised to over $1.1 million, with $200,000 still needed to construct this inclusive play area planned for Kreager Park. Dr. Crawford was inspired by Taylor Reuille’s vision to build a playground where all kids could play together. Boundless playgrounds allow children with physical, developmental, cognitive and sensory disabilities to play too.
“As a city councilman, I always felt the money that I directed to the Parks gave back to the community in many ways,” said Dr. Crawford. “And as a citizen, I’m glad that I can participate in helping to fund this worthy project.”
Dr. Crawford served 3 terms on Fort Wayne’s City Council, and helped bring many capital improvements to the parks, including the ice rink at Headwater’s Park, Fort Wayne’s first sprayground at Memorial Park, as well the Memorial Wall and improvements to the pool house, the award-winning Swinney Japanese Pavilion and the restoration of Swinney Pond.
Fort Wayne’s Boundless Playground at Kreager Park will have three pods of playground equipment and activity areas, a splash pad, accessible ramps and walkways, a picnic pavilion and accessible parking. Landscaping will add to the sensory experience of the facility, as will the multiple types of surface used in the various pods.
In honor of Dr. Crawford’s donation, Pod B will be named for his son Grant.
“At this playground, all kids will have an equal opportunity to have fun,” said Director Moll. “For instance, there will be features like wheelchair ramps and shorter slides with side supports.”
During the news conference, Dr. Crawford also announced a $1000 donation from Dr. Rudy Kachmann for the Boundless Playground.
Community support is vital to complete the project. Donations of $500 or more will be recognized on a sign at the front of the playground, while everyone’s donation will be noted on the Fort Wayne Parks’ website. For details about the Boundless Playground and ways to donate online to the campaign, visit www.fortwayneparks.org or call 260-427-6000. Checks made payable to the Fort Wayne Park Foundation may be sent to 705 E. State Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN 46805. More information about the Boundless Playground efforts can be found at www.taylorsdream.com.
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