Members of the Rotary Club of Johnson City along with Johnson City staff showcase a piece of equipment featured at the ‘Boundless Playground.’ The artificial turf is a very soft cushion material to protect against falls. The splash pad will offer seven or more computer programs to insure everyone gets wet and has fun. From the left are: Dr. Shelley Brouillette, Phil Pindzola, James Ellis, Gary McAllister and Dr. Mike Mefford. Photos by Bill Derby
By Bill Derby
After more than seven years, a dream comes true as the ‘Boundless Playground’ at Rotary Park will be officially dedicated Tuesday, April 4 at 1:30 p.m. by the Rotary Club of Johnson City. City staff, Washington County and community leaders will be on hand and citizens are invited to attend. The facility will open to the public on Memorial Day, May 29.
Dr. Shelley Brouillette and Dr. Mike Mefford, while on a Rotary mission trip to Africa, envisioned a playground at Johnson City’s Rotary Park for children with special needs. They thought it would be a perfect project for their Rotary Club to champion.
New Johnson City Parks and Recreation Director, James Ellis, said, “We just heard this week that the new ‘Boundless Playground’ will be named a destination location for children with special needs. There are only about 20 cities in America on that list. Parents who are traveling search for places where their children can enjoy playing outside with other children in a safe environment on equipment suitable for their needs.”
The playground will allow full accessibility and enjoyment by all children, including those with disabilities ranging from mild to severe. It will include features specifically designed for accessibility and enrichment for children in assistive devices such as wheelchairs, and also meet the needs of visually and hearing-impaired children.
