All Abilities Playground Dedication

It pays to speak out when you spot a civic need. Plus, the result may benefit others. Here is a nice story that shows the value of the well-stated letter and the value of an elected-official willing to listen.


When Kathy Justi, with her children Julia and David, saw Tredyffrin's new Wilson Farm Park in 2004, she was impressed but dismayed: "I guess I just assumed that any brand new playground built in the post-ADA era would be mindful of the need to include all township children, even those who are unable to use typical playground equipment.

"It would be great for our family and other families of special needs children if Tredyffrin Township added some accessible playground equipment to some of their playgrounds. More than that, though, it would be great for all children to see that kids who are 'different' aren't weird or scary or intimidating. The United States is making attempts to remove physical barriers for disabled people in public places such as museums, restaurants, schools, workplaces. Why not start at the beginning, in early childhood through play, so that all of our children learn acceptance and tolerance and simply discover ways that they can meet others on common ground?" - These are excerpts from an expressive email that Kathy wrote to new township supervisor Paul Drucker. Mr. Drucker was moved by her eloquence, but also saw Kathy had spotted something important missing from the multi-million-dollar recreation facility and set out to remedy the gap.


Drucker circulated Kathy's letter to his colleagues and township staff and then began a push to locate funding for a play space that would be accessible to children with disabilities. He also began his dogged, but good-natured pursuit for monthly progress reports on building the facility. Finally, in time for Tredyffrin's 300 anniversary celebration the new all-abilities playground was complete at the north end of Wilson Park. The township staff worked hard to create the playground and said many of their contractors put in extra effort on the design and construction because they saw the community value.

The benefit will stretch well beyond Tredyffrin. In her initial letter, Kathy Justi identified the meager choices for accessible play in the area, but highlighted, "Kerr Park in Downingtown, where there is a miraculous oasis called The Sky's the Limit, a new playground, completely accessible to children of varying abilities." Now the Tredyffrin facility with its soft ground surface, gradual ramps, and activities of varying heights will be attracting the same interest.


When her family attended the exciting September 15 anniversary festivities, Kathy said they were "so busy going around the park that we only had a few minutes to spend on the playground itself! Still, those few moments were precious and I enjoyed seeing literally dozens of children scampering around a playground that was at least partly a result of the relationships my children share. Soon the word will get around and more children of all abilities will flock to Tredyffrin to use it."

She also said Paul Drucker "deserves to be acknowledged again and again for being the voice of a group of children who definitely want to be heard and understood and accepted."




Here is a link to the Township page about the playground.

And here are image links to a map to the playground, and an article from the September 13 Suburban and Wayne Times, by Daniel Kristie. Please click on them to see the enlarged versions: