Possibility Playground facts for kids
Possibility Playground is a special playground located in Port Washington, Wisconsin. It was built so that children with special needs could play easily. But it's also a place where kids of all abilities can have fun together!
The idea for this amazing playground came from Mardy McGarry. She was a special education teacher at Lincoln Elementary School.
Many local groups and people donated money for the building materials. Thousands of volunteers then helped build the playground. Construction started in September 2008 and finished in just six days. Possibility Playground officially opened in October 2008. It has equipment designed so all kids can enjoy playing.
Creating the Playground Idea
The idea for Possibility Playground was simple: "all kids can play." Mardy McGarry, a special education teacher, came up with it. She taught at Lincoln Elementary School in Port Washington, Wisconsin.
Mardy noticed that many playgrounds were hard for her students to use. Things like sand and woodchips made it tough for wheelchairs to move. She wanted a place where everyone could play without problems.
The playground was named "Possibility Playground" because it makes playing possible for all kids. Mardy talked to design companies and therapists. These experts helped her plan a playground that was truly for everyone. The city of Port Washington even gave land for the project.
Donations and Building Efforts
Building Possibility Playground cost a lot of money. The materials alone were about $450,000. If people had been paid for construction, it would have cost another $900,000!
Many groups and people helped raise money. The local Kiwanis Club gave $7,000. One woman donated $25,000, and her company matched her gift. This meant her company gave another $25,000!
There were many fun fundraisers. An event called "Run, Walk and Roll" raised $15,000. Other events included a Guitar Hero contest and a silent auction.
On September 16, 2008, volunteers started building. Thousands of people worked in four-hour shifts. This included 30 members of the United States Navy from Milwaukee. Students from Mukwonago and the Milwaukee School of Engineering also helped. Church groups joined in too.
Only three "build captains" from the design firm were paid. Everyone else was a volunteer. The playground was finished on September 21, 2008. This was after just six days of hard work! Possibility Playground opened officially on October 11, 2008.
Playground Features and Design
Possibility Playground has a special "poured-rubber surface." This smooth ground makes it easy for wheelchairs to move around. The equipment is made from strong plastic. A picket fence surrounds the playground to keep children safe inside.
The playground has a cool pirate ship. It even has a Lake Michigan design! There's also a lighthouse, monkey bars, and swings. Kids can play in a sandbox, walk on balance beams, and explore tunnels. There's even a police car to play in!
Some swings are extra special. They give more support to children who have less muscle strength. This way, more kids can enjoy swinging. Possibility Playground is quite large, about the size of an football field.
