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PLAY FOR ALL PARK
A group has formed within the Morgan County area to develop a playground
that is accessible to everyone regardless of their physical, neurological,
or ambulatory issues. The group is called PLAY FOR ALL PARKS. The Village of
South Jacksonville has offered the use of Godfrey Park as the location of
this project. There are numerous parks, churches, and schools in the
Jacksonville/South Jacksonville area that have playgrounds. They are great
facilities but people with physical limitations often cannot use the equipment or
have to simply sit while they watch others climb and swing. The concept is
based o n ideas
concepts from Boundless Playgrounds that allows everyone to use the
equipment at the same time.
Click on the Boundless Playground title at the left to go to Boundless's
webpage and more info on what they do.
Right now the Phase I concept is to have a large play set, a small play
set for younger children, and a spray water feature with jets. All play
areas would have a large, solid, rubberized surface on a concrete base for
safety and easy mobility under each play set. There would also be a Pavilion
and restrooms. There is nothing else like it in this part of the
state. A Phase II concept could add accessible swings, a climbing area,
smaller toys, and other sets of play equipment.
Play for All Parks has signed a contract to work with Boundless in the
development of this project. In Illinois, 6 parks are
in development through Boundless. Two parks are located in Danville, the
others are around Chicago. There are three parks in Missouri all in the St.
Louis area. The Children's Hospital in St. Louis is developing a large
accessible park.
It is projected that the project will cost up to $350,000 and will be a
multi-year task. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has an Oslad grant program
that could fund up to 50% of the cost. The grant has been applied for.
Kiwanis, Pilot Club, Rotary and other Jacksonville service clubs have shown
strong interest in supporting this project. Below
is Elm City's letter of support. Over 25 other groups also provided support.
The project is in development stages. If you would like to be part of this
project contact us at Elm City, Barb Baker of Rep. Ray Lahood's regional
office in Jacksonville (217)245-1431, or Mayor Gordon Jumper at South
Jacksonville Village Hall (217)245-4803.
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Illinois
