The Peachtree City Recreation Commission has taken the first step in an effort to develop a special-needs-accessible playground in the city.

During Monday night's regular meeting, the commission voted unanimously to appoint Colleen Sugar as the steering committee coordinator to begin putting together a select committee to oversee fund-raising for the project.

Randy Gaddo, the city's director of leisure services, told the commission that Sugar wrote him a letter last October pointing out that the city did not have a handicapped-accessible playground.

“We had addressed the need for improved playgrounds in our recreation master plan, but the scope of this project is much greater than anything we anticipated,” said Gaddo, who pointed out that making a playground totally accessible for all special-needs children is a costly venture. “This project, if done right, will cost well over $100,000, according to the initial inquiries we've made.”

Sugar wrote in her letter, “As a parent of a child who uses a walker I would like to see this problem resolved. Peachtree City prides itself in being a community that is a great place for families to raise their children. The importance of allowing all children to play on a safe and accessible facility cannot be overemphasized.”

In the letter, she offered to volunteer her time to assist with the effort. Gaddo commended Sugar for the approach she took.

“She didn't just complain about a problem and demand a solution,” said Gaddo. “She pointed out a problem and offered to be a part of the solution.”

In the months that followed, Gaddo and his staff met with Sugar to work out a plan. Due to the scope of the project, and because it is planned as a community facility, it was clear that she needed assistance. The staff recommended to the commission that it appoint a select committee that would be responsible for planning and executing a fund-raising campaign.

The committee will also plan the playground itself, ensuring that it meets all local, state and federal requirements. As such, committee members with special qualifications, such as physical therapy and child development, are being sought.

Sugar has already obtained commitments from two volunteers, and she will be looking to fill the remaining slots in the next couple of weeks. The final size of the committee is open-ended, but it is planned to be no more than 5 to 10 people. Subcommittees will be formed as required, which would open up opportunities for others to volunteer in the effort.

Under its establishing ordinance and bylaws, the Recreation Commission is authorized to solicit or receive any gifts or bequests of money or other personal property or any donation to benefit the city's recreational programs or facilities. To aid in this effort, the staff developed a sponsorship program, which the commission adopted at the same meeting. This program establishes levels of sponsorship, which include Platinum, Gold, Silver and Grass Roots.

Each level carries its own criteria and form or recognition for the contributor. For instance, a Silver Level contributor must contribute between $1,000 and $5,000 or in-kind contributions of the same value.

In return, a plaque identifying the contributor as a Silver Sponsor will be placed at the playground. Also, a distinctive plaque will be presented to the contributor at a Recreation Commission public meeting and news releases will be prepared and distributed.

Gaddo said that the playground is being planned for Luther Glass Park, also known as Three Ponds.

“It is centrally located and provides a very passive setting for such a facility,” he said. “There is a perfect area for it there, far away from roads but near cart paths for easy access. The facility will be fenced so parents won't have to worry about children's safety.”

The Recreation Commission is slated to appoint the full committee during its Feb. 21 regular meeting, which begins at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council chambers at City Hall.

“We're all very excited about this project,” said Gaddo. “It's the kind of project the entire community can take part in and be proud of.”

Anyone interested in assisting the committee or obtaining further information about the effort may contact the Recreation Department at 770-631-2542

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