Photo: Owen's Playground/Facebook
Owen's Playground is a space that's aiming to honor the diversity and different ability levels of all kids. The inclusive playground, still in the process of being funded and constructed, was designed in partnership with community members, educators, caregivers of kids with disabilities, occupational and physical therapists, disabled folks, Parks Department Staff, and a host of other local organizations and community members. The playground honors the memory of Owen Marshall, a boy with cerebral palsy who passed away in October of 2013.
Owen's family hopes to make the playground a space where kids of all physical and mental abilities are free to engage in play, an essential component of development and of pleasure for kids. Friends of the Marshall family as well as community and family members donated to Owen's memorial fund, which functioned as the playground's seed money.
The playground will be housed in Bainbridge Island's Rotary Park and will include smooth surfaces for those who use mobility devices, clear slight lines, multi-sensory playtoys, circular seating for parents and caregivers, and adaptive play equipment.
The project recently received fiscal sponsorship from the Bainbridge Island Parks Foundation, which will provide them with support and a permanent home with with BIPF, "ensuring that endowment and maintenance funds are utilized to make improvements and necessary upgrades to the playground," according to the Owen's Playground team.
Learn more about the project's progress – or donate to help fund the project – here.
Update 10/9/15: The playground has received a $50,000 matching fund donation, meaning that a pledge from an anonymous donor will match any money raised by Owen's Playground through November 30, up to $50K!
