The first phase of a park designed for use by children with or without disabilities opened to the public October 17.
Cleveland teacher Tammy Tomasello dreamed of building a playground that would be accessible to disabled children, as well as kids without disabilities. Five years ago Tomasello she formed a nonprofit organization she called the ‘All Kids Playground’ and began fundraising. She succeeded in raising $300,000 to build her ideal playground, to be located at James Day Park.
Community members came out to celebrate the recent opening, as did Parma mayor Tim DeGeeter. The mayor noted that Parma has “always believed in progress through partnerships”, saying the park was good for the city. He urged that Parma should move on to build Phase 2, which will have a rubberized surface to make play safer.
A number of organizations worked on the project, including volunteers from several area schools. Sponsorships with Parma Medical Center and the city aided in the project. Sean Brennan, president of the city council, was instrumental in devising legislation so the property for the park could be donated to All Kids Playground. The Parks and Recreation Department also helped with construction and installing equipment.
Fundraising for Phase 2 starts October 25 with a tailgate party, slated for Anthony’s Sports Bar on Pleasant Valley Road, starting at noon.
Event organizers could work with a flyer printing company on a mailer for residents, telling them about the fundraiser.
