Eisenhower Kicks Off Fundraising Campaign For Inclusive Playground
October 26, 2021 at 1:30 a.m.
Eisenhower Kicks Off Fundraising Campaign For Inclusive Playground
By Staff Report-
The campaign, A Playground for Every Eagle, has a mission of creating and promoting an inclusive environment where children of all abilities can play together, according to a news release from Warsaw Community Schools. The project is spearheaded by Elizabeth Hausmann, mother of Eisenhower Elementary student Addy, who is disabled and wheelchair-bound.
Hausmann said, “It’s heartbreaking to know that Addy does not currently have access to the entirety of the playground. I’ve seen Addy stand off to the side on the sidewalk and watch other children enjoy the playground equipment, excluding her. The playground as it stands now is wonderful and great for able-bodied children. However, we’re launching this effort to ensure that all children at Eisenhower can play together.”
The campaign will include truly inclusive equipment, sensory play areas, shade as well as multipurpose surfacing that is both safe and allows easy navigation for children that are disabled.
“Wheelchair accessibility is just one piece of the puzzle,” Hausmann said. “There are several disabilities that exist and we’re designing both playgrounds with all of those children in mind. Addy is the starting motivation for this project – but our mission is to make a space where every eagle is included.”
The revamp of both playgrounds at Eisenhower Elementary is an estimated $480,000. The project will rely solely on community fundraising, grants and corporate sponsorship. The initial goal is to raise $230,000 by April, enough funds for the construction of the lower playground at the school to be completed next summer.
A committee of parent volunteers, as well as a community task force comprised of specialists in the community, met for the first time Monday at Eisenhower Elementary School to launch the project. For more information on this project, visit www.everyeagle.org.
The campaign, A Playground for Every Eagle, has a mission of creating and promoting an inclusive environment where children of all abilities can play together, according to a news release from Warsaw Community Schools. The project is spearheaded by Elizabeth Hausmann, mother of Eisenhower Elementary student Addy, who is disabled and wheelchair-bound.
Hausmann said, “It’s heartbreaking to know that Addy does not currently have access to the entirety of the playground. I’ve seen Addy stand off to the side on the sidewalk and watch other children enjoy the playground equipment, excluding her. The playground as it stands now is wonderful and great for able-bodied children. However, we’re launching this effort to ensure that all children at Eisenhower can play together.”
The campaign will include truly inclusive equipment, sensory play areas, shade as well as multipurpose surfacing that is both safe and allows easy navigation for children that are disabled.
“Wheelchair accessibility is just one piece of the puzzle,” Hausmann said. “There are several disabilities that exist and we’re designing both playgrounds with all of those children in mind. Addy is the starting motivation for this project – but our mission is to make a space where every eagle is included.”
The revamp of both playgrounds at Eisenhower Elementary is an estimated $480,000. The project will rely solely on community fundraising, grants and corporate sponsorship. The initial goal is to raise $230,000 by April, enough funds for the construction of the lower playground at the school to be completed next summer.
A committee of parent volunteers, as well as a community task force comprised of specialists in the community, met for the first time Monday at Eisenhower Elementary School to launch the project. For more information on this project, visit www.everyeagle.org.
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