News release from Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation:
Boundless Playground Wins National Recognition
Mayor Henry Praises Taylor’s Vision and Grand Prize Winning EffortsTaylor’s Dream Boundless Playground is one of two national grand prize winners of the Synthetic Turf Council’s 2011 Search for the Real Field of Dreams Contest. The playground won a $1,000 award by overcoming numerous obstacles to provide local youth with opportunities to play outside, enjoy sports and build self-esteem.
“Our annual contest recognizes synthetic turf athletic fields, parks and playgrounds in the U.S. and Canada that have made an exceptional impact on their local communities,” said Rick Doyle, President of the Synthetic Turf Council. “Their inspirational stories showcase how perseverance can make any dream come true.”
Four years ago, an 11-year-old named Taylor Reuille in Fort Wayne, Indiana realized that kids with disabilities couldn’t enjoy nearby playgrounds. She was determined to bring a “boundless playground” to the community, a truly inclusive space where children of all abilities gain the important developmental and physical benefits of unstructured play. Her dream became a reality when the Fort Wayne Parks & Recreation Department opened Taylor’s Dream Boundless Playground in June 2011. The stable synthetic grass is ADA accessible, allowing wheelchairs, braces, and other assistive equipment to access the facility easily and safely. Now thousands of children and adults with disabilities have the chance to play with their peers.
“I’m proud of Taylor and her vision and drive that moved the entire community to step-up and make the boundless playground a reality,” Mayor Tom Henry said. “The creation of Taylor’s Dream quickly became a team effort that helped us in our mission to improve the quality of life for families and children, by making sure they have access to parks, playgrounds and other recreation areas.”
The Synthetic Turf Council created its annual Search for the Real Field of Dreams to recognize the power that synthetic turf has to transform the lives of youth and enhance public wellness. Independent judges for the 2011 Search included Lisa Speckhardt of Landscape Architecture magazine, Christine Sima of Parks and Rec Business and Ron Hall, of TURF Magazine. Visit www.syntheticturfcouncil.org to review the full story on each winner.
“Recognition and awards for this project are just icing on the cake,” Director Moll said. “The award money will be put in a fund to ensure maintenance and improvements on this venue will always be addressed.”
About the Synthetic Turf Council:
Based in Atlanta, the Synthetic Turf Council was founded in 2003 to promote the industry and to assist buyers and end users with the selection, use and maintenance of synthetic turf systems in sports field, golf, municipal parks, airports, landscape and residential applications. The organization is also a resource for current, credible, and independent research on the safety and environmental impact of synthetic turf. Membership includes builders, landscape architects, testing labs, maintenance providers, manufacturers, suppliers, installation contractors, infill material suppliers and other specialty service companies. For more information, visit www.syntheticturfcouncil.org.
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