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First fundraiser planned for project to bring special-needs playground to Canfield
CANFIELD
As mothers of children with special needs, Gretchen McGarry and Kelly Long have felt the sting that comes with seeing their kids unable to join in on typical childhood activities.
Whether its climbing across the monkey bars or gleefully whooshing down a slide, the activities that many take for granted are out of reach for their children – for now, at least.
McGarry and Long, along with other members of the Henry M. Halstead Field of Opportunity nonprofit organization, are working to bring Walnut Grove, a recreational venue that accommodates people with special needs, to Canfield.
The organization will host its first major fundraiser – “Swing, Wine and Dine” – from 6 to 9 p.m. Feb. 16 at St. Michael Church on North Broad Street. For additional information about the event or to make a donation, visit www.thewalnutgrove.com.
The fundraiser, which the organization plans to make an annual event, will raise money for construction of the facility at 8800 Columbiana-Canfield Road on a property owned by the Halstead group.
The estimated project cost is $1.3 million.
Those involved in the project envision it as an all-inclusive space that will serve an unmet need in this area.
“If you have kids who have motor issues, coordination issues, autism – things like that – it’s very difficult to find places to take your children,” said McGarry, whose 6-year-old daughter has special needs.
“They struggle enough with their disabilities,” said Long, whose 14-year-old twin daughters have special needs. “Then, the fact that they can’t even go somewhere to play like the other kids – it’s truly heartbreaking.”
Walnut Grove will feature a state-of-the-art playground, as well as wheelchair-accessible nature trails that will connect to the Mill Creek MetroParks Bikeway.
The playground will feature equipment that people of all abilities can use.
“The center play area will have free-standing equipment and a focal structure with ramps that travel 6-feet high and multiple landing decks,” according to a project brochure. “Surrounding the center play area will be six additional play areas that include a pretend play section, wheelchair swings, traditional swings and two 66-foot zip lines.”
The project will be completed in two phases, with the first slated for construction this year. The organization expects to break ground on the nature trails this spring, McGarry said.
McGarry and Long can’t wait to see the faces of the kids who will someday use Walnut Grove.
“They’re going to be so excited. And not only that. It’s being able to see their families’ faces. Their mother and their father,” said McGarry.
“Being able to see their kids play is a big deal. They don’t have that opportunity. And [soon] they will have that opportunity right in their backyard.”