Page 16 - October 2023 FOCUS Magazine

#LOVELANSING F O C U S M A G A Z I N E | O C T O BE R 2 0 2 3
FOCUS MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2023

Credit: Rod Sandford

Play Michigan! All-Inclusive Playground Opens in

Downtown Lansing

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION COMPLETES $3.2 MILLION PARK UNIQUE TO THE REGION

he Community Foundation has announced the of ability, so kids like ours can have fun and enjoy
grand opening of Play Michigan!, the region's first themselves without barriers."
Tuniversally-accessible playground, on Sept. 16, 2023.
This innovative playground-park, designed to promote
Play Michigan! is designed to meet the needs of inclusivity and the well-being of children of all abilities,
children with physical, sensory, and developmental has become a reality thanks to generous of sponsors
disabilities. The playground features wheelchair- and gifts from community supporters, all matched
accessible play equipment, specialty swings and dollar-for-dollar by the Community Foundation.
ramps, sensory play areas, and other inclusive features, Major funders include AF Group, CASE Credit Union,
ensuring that children of all abilities can play side University of Michigan Health, Mary Free Bed, Peckham,
by side. The 10,000-square-foot playground is part of John and Jewel Bos, Eileen and Jerry Fhaner, and Linda
a 66,000-square-foot park, located at 500 W. Grand and Joel Zylstra. Linda Zylstra initiated the concept
Avenue on the downtown Lansing riverfront. The park as part of the Community Foundation’s vision for
also includes a picnic deck, pavilion, and dedicated developing the downtown Lansing riverfront.
barrier-free parking. In addition, a wide boardwalk and
dock allow every child to experience the waterfront. "After overcoming pandemic-related delays and
Feedback from the Autism community prompted permitting challenges, we are delighted to unveil Play
the Foundation to add safety features to help prevent Michigan! to the public," said Laurie Strauss Baumer,
children from running to the water. president & CEO of the Community Foundation. "The
original estimate of $1.6 million doubled over time to
"As parents of children with disabilities, it can be so $3.2 million, but the Foundation was wholly committed
disheartening and such a struggle to find access to this project so that every child, regardless of ability,
to places and events that others attend without has the opportunity to play in an inclusive environment.
issue,” said parents Julia and Marlon Olivas. “We are While the Foundation led the project and contributed
so excited and grateful for such a beautiful, sensory- most of the cost, we couldn’t have done it without our
friendly playground that is so well thought out to sponsors, donors, and partners – the City of Lansing,
consider the needs of all community members and be Wieland, Viridis Architects, Sinclair Recreation, and
accommodating and inclusive to everyone regardless Disability Network." l

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