The effort to generate support for the All Children's Playground fundraising campaign received an enormous boost June 28 when Pathway Communities hosted a kickoff event at its Peachtree City headquarters.

At the event, nearly $9,000 was donated by various groups, organizations and individuals to get the ball rolling toward the minimum goal of $150,000. Mayor Pro Tem Annie McMenamin presented a check for $5,000 on behalf of the Peachtree City mayor and city council. The Peachtree City Kiwanis kicked in $500. The Park Bank Foundation contributed $1,000.

Webb, Stuckey and Lindsey turned in $500 and several individuals added to the pot. Tate Godfrey, honorary chairman of the All Children's Playground Select Committee, was master of ceremonies, and appealed to the assembled civic and business leaders for their support. To set the example, he and his wife, Lourdes, became the first Silver Level Sponsor by contributing $1,000.

“This contribution signifies that my wife and I are behind this project 100 percent,” he told the 50 or so assembled guests. “When I was asked to be honorary chairman of this committee to raise funds for the playground, I knew it was something I wanted to do. This is an excellent project that is outside the normal expectations of a recreational program in a city our size. It will require support from the whole community.”

The All Children's Playground is to be a totally accessible facility, where physically challenged or non-challenged children of all ages can get to and use all of the equipment. It will have a ramp system to connect the entire structure into one negotiable unit.

It is also planned to have a poured rubberized surface, making it safer and easier for wheelchair accessibility. Current research indicates that there is not another facility like it in the metro Atlanta area, and possibly in the entire state or beyond.

“To us, there is nothing more disturbing than seeing a child watching other children play, but not being able to join in,” said Luther Holt, Recreation Commission member who is also serving on the All Children's Playground Select Committee. “In our playground, that won't happen. This will be a crown jewel for Peachtree City.”

The effort to develop this playground began in October 1999, when Peachtree City resident Colleen Sugar wrote a letter to Director of Leisure Services Randy Gaddo. In her letter, she described her attempts to find an accessible playground for her physically challenged son. Not only could she not find one in the city, but in the entire south metro area.

Frustrated, she wrote, “We have some wonderful parks in Peachtree City, but I am writing to draw your attention to a problem in the parks. The problem is the lack of handicapped accessible outdoor play and learning equipment, preventing important social interaction and learning by disabled and non-disabled children alike.”

Gaddo contacted Colleen and explained that the recently updated Recreation Master Plan did address the need to improve playgrounds throughout the city. Indeed, money had been budgeted to this end in the city's Public Improvement Plan.

But the magnitude of constructing a fully accessible facility was far beyond the approved budget. Due to specialized equipment, ramping and special surfaces, the cost would easily exceed $150,000.

“Colleen's approach to this issue was very proactive,” said Gaddo. “She didn't just complain about a problem, then expect it to be magically fixed. She offered to be part of the solution.”

Gaddo took her up on her offer, and presented a plan to the Recreation Commission to appoint a select committee, with Colleen as its chairperson.

The committee would be responsible for spearheading a campaign to raise funds for the facility. Picnic Park, a scenic lakeside area, was chosen as the site.

The name “All Children's Playground” was chosen to signify the total accessibility for all children. The recreation staff developed a Sponsorship Program that established various levels of sponsorship, each carrying different benefits depending on the contribution.

The June 28 event at Pathway was the culmination of months of planning by the committee. It also signified the kickoff for the official fund drive.

Committee members will now begin the work of visiting local business, industry and service clubs to inform them of the effort and ask for contributions. They will also be seeking state and national grants or other sources of funding.

“I appeal to the entire community, to the businesses, to industry leaders, to civic clubs and to individuals,” said Godfrey. “This is a project you'll want to be part of, because it is going to be so unique and so needed. It's just the right thing to do.”

For more information on the playground, or on contributing, contact the Recreation Department at 770-631-2542.

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