Playground Designed for 'Boundless' Fun

July 08, 2009

By Alana Rocha

(WICHITA, Kan.)

It's the first of its kind in Wichita. And a new playground is inspiring other cities around the world.

The Sunrise Rotary Club dedicated the Boundless Playground this morning at Sedgwick County Park.

Most kids can enjoy boundless fun at any playground, without any problem. Most.

"We did come here to the Sedgwick County Park to play, but I had to carry her around because the bark she can't walk on it with her walker," Sandy Wright said.

Wright says she didn't bring her daughter Elizabeth to the park to play as much. The eight year old suffers from cerebral palsy.

She needs a walker to get around.

In the last year, that's all changed.

"She can walk around this whole entire playground. Wherever she wants to go as quickly as she can move," Sandy said.

Elizabeth now goes at her own pace to take in what she wants.

Sandy says, "Plus there's a big thing over there that the parents can even get on and it sways back and forth which is my husband's favorite part. Is that papa's favorite part?"

"Yeah, cause he likes to jump on it," Elizabeth chimes in.

Pat Gallagher managed the project. She says, "There's no barrier of what the children are able to do."

Wednesday the Sunrise Rotary Club dedicated the Boundless Playground at Sedgwick County Park. It's a playground fully equipped with ramps, a smooth padding and amusements to accommodate anyone, including three year old Zoe Lehr.

"The have the special swings for the kids who need them. And I think it's really cool they do that. Just have it so big and open so everyone can play," Zoe's mom Jennifer Lehr said.

After five years and $1.5 million to get to this point, a playground that's not only functional, but fun for every child.

An escape that brings all kids together no matter their size or ability.

All playgrounds in Sedgwick County must comply with ADA standards, that means only 50 percent accessible.

The Sunrise Rotary Club worked with Via Christi's Children's Miracle Network to help pay for the playground.

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