Press release from Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation:
Taylor’s Dream Wins $70,000
Groundbreaking ceremony at Indiana’s First Boundless Playground Site
(September 30, 2010) – Mayor Tom Henry, Parks & Recreation Director Al Moll and Taylor Reuille from Taylor’s Friendship Circle announced today that thanks to the overwhelming participation of Fort Wayne residents, and their friends and families, Taylor’s Dream Boundless Playground won the Pepsi Refresh Challenge and will be granted $70,000. After the announcement, the Mayor, with help from Taylor and Director Moll, broke ground in Kreager Park to officially mark the start of Indiana’s first Boundless Playground project.
Fort Wayne was one of three communities nationwide participating in a Pepsi Refresh Challenge sponsored by CVS/pharmacy to build a Boundless Playground. The on-line challenge, which ran August 17 – September 28, was part of the Pepsi Refresh Project, a groundbreaking effort that funds ideas, big and small, that can refresh the world. Fort Wayne was named the official winner of the challenge after people cast their votes online for which playground idea should receive funding to build a Boundless Playground.
“I’d like to thank our residents for working together to help Taylor’s Dream become a reality for all of our children,” said Mayor Henry. “This victory for our city is yet another example of the fabulous civic spirit and enthusiasm of the people of Fort Wayne.”
With the $70,000 grant added to the total raised, approximately $125,000 will still be needed to complete the project.
Taylor’s Dream Boundless Playground initiative began when a young girl, Taylor Reuille, realized that there were children with disabilities who couldn’t play at many playgrounds. A Boundless Playground will allow children with and without disabilities to play together, and will include amenities that address the needs of children with physical, developmental, cognitive and sensory disabilities.
“I’ve been looking forward to this day for a long time!” said Taylor. “It will be so cool to see this playground built and all the kids playing together.”
Taylor’s Dream 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.
Community support for the final $125,000 is welcome. Funds will also be accepted for an endowment to maintain the playground. Donations of $500 or more will be listed on plaques at the front of the playground, while everyone’s donation will be noted on the 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 Taylor’s Friendship Circle Boundless Playground efforts can be found at www.taylorsdream.com and at www.boundlessplayground.com.
“We’d like to thank Pepsi and CVS/pharmacy for giving us this opportunity,” said Director Moll. “This wasn’t only a chance to raise $70,000, it was a way to increase public awareness about an outstanding, inclusive project that we hope everyone will take advantage of.”
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