Rotary Clubs of McKinney, City of McKinney to host groundbreaking ceremony for the All-Abilities Playground April 20 at Bonnie Wenk Park
By media release
Apr 20, 2017
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The Rotary Clubs of McKinney, in partnership with the City of McKinney, is pleased to announce a groundbreaking ceremony for the All-Abilities Playground April 20 at Bonnie Wenk Park at 10:00 a.m.  This playground is the largest project the McKinney Rotary Clubs have undertaken and is an example of one of the Rotary guidelines: Service Above Self.  The groundbreaking celebrates all individuals in McKinney with special needs and those who have invested in a unique playground focusing on accessibility and playability.

The All-Abilities Playground is a joint project between the McKinney Sunrise Rotary Club, McKinney Rotary Club and the City of McKinney.

In 2015, Mayor Brian Loughmiller stated “this (playground) is an example of how public/private initiatives can create a lasting impact on our community that otherwise might not be met.”

Juli Smith and Larry Offerdahl, Co-Chairs for the Rotary Clubs of McKinney, approached the City of McKinney over two years ago, with a vision for a “unique” playground for all children and disabled parents and relatives. Both Rotary Clubs have been actively involved in fundraising, the design process with La Terra Studio, and the City of McKinney Parks and Open Spaces Department and McKinney ISD’s ALPHA program. 

The All-Abilities Playground is especially designed to accommodate children with special needs to play alongside other children of all ages and abilities and to foster empathy and a sense of inclusiveness.  A special design focus will allow children with muscular dystrophy, autism, cerebral palsy and other special needs to experience the Gift of Play.

“This All-Abilities playground is the largest Rotary Project the Rotary Clubs of McKinney have ever undertaken and we look forward to its completion in the spring of 2018,” stated Juli Smith and Danny Kistner, President of the two Rotary Clubs.

The Rotary Clubs of McKinney All-Abilities Playground Project is possible because of the support of the City of McKinney, the McKinney Community Development Corporation, businesses and the community.  For additional information please contact, Juli Smith at 972 658 9977.