04/07/14 The Freedom Park Committee will be hosting a Community Input Night at the Plymouth Public Library on Monday, April 7th from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Laramore B room. Everyone is invited to stop by to learn about the Freedom Park project, view renderings of the proposed park, ask questions and to get involved. The Committee is also looking for help with grant writing and for anyone who would like to donate their time and talent to this project.
The Freedom Park Committee, in conjunction with the Plymouth Park Department, is spearheading an initiative to build an all-inclusive playground in Plymouth. An all-inclusive playground is designed and created to be accessible to all children and adults of all abilities. According to the 2010 Census, there are 47,000 people living in Marshall County. Of these people, 17 percent over the age of five have a disability, while 7 percent under the age of five have a disability, yet there are no parks in Plymouth that can provide play components and equal access for those with all types of abilities.
The mission of the Freedom Park Committee is to build a playground where differences disappear and children share experiences with their peers, while exploring and learning at their own ability. The vision is to build a playground that will be approximately 30,000 to 45,000 square feet of play area, to include ramps that connect the different levels or pods for play. It will include a splash pad for water fun, sensory gardens, swings, pavilion, restrooms and plenty of shade. Freedom Park will be located next to the Hoosier Old Wheels Pavilion in Centennial Park.
“We believe that every child, no matter what their ability, should have equal access to quality, safe play opportunities, and that every parent, regardless of their ability, should be able to interact at a park with their children,” said Tony Gamble, Co-chair of the committee. “By developing this inclusive environment, we hope to improve the lives and dignity of everyone in Marshall County. We believe it will allow everyone with disabilities the opportunity to experience play, ‘side-by-side’ with their able bodies peers, and the opportunity for their families to enjoy being a part of a community.”
For information on this event, as well as the park itself, check out the website www.freedomparkin.com.
