Klamath County Developmental Disabilities Services donates $12,000 to ADA-accessible playground
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Playground Project 3D Rendering. (Submitted image)
Playground flyer. Click for larger.
The following is a press release from Blue Zones Project, Health Klamath.
KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. - Blue Zones Project®, Healthy Klamath in partnership with the City of Klamath Falls, and now Klamath County, are making strides in fundraising efforts for the new ADA-accessible destination playground in Moore Park.
Community members may remember in October 2019, elementary students were asked to draw and describe their dream playground. Based on the students’ input and drawings, a schematic design was created and unveiled on Design Day.
More than a playground, this project will be a community gathering space for children of all abilities to enjoy.
A focus of this project is to create a destination playground that is accessible to all families, with rubber surfaces and play structures that are ADA-friendly. Artistic elements that showcase the culture and history of Klamath Basin will be incorporated into the design. With features such as a lava cave labyrinth, a Klamath Tule Hut, and an F-15 Jet, the custom designed, 18,000 square foot playground will replace the current play equipment located next to the tennis courts in Moore Park.
Recently, at the recommendation and request of Klamath County Developmental Disabilities Services Director Myles Maxey, the Klamath County Commissioners voted to approve a $12,000 sponsorship from Klamath County Developmental Disabilities Services. The donation will be put toward purchasing an all-access merry-go-round, designed to allow children of all abilities an opportunity to experience the developmental benefits of outdoor and physical play.
Maxey stated, “We are excited to collaborate with Blue Zones Project® – Healthy Klamath and the City of Klamath Falls to provide opportunities for individuals throughout Klamath County to get outside, socialize, and play. Playground accessibility for individuals is a critical need within our community and we look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead for Klamath County to be more inclusive and a community of belonging, with this project being a step in that direction.”
The sponsorship of the merry-go-round from Klamath County Developmental Disabilities Services represents the largest equipment sponsorship that the project has received to-date. Local businesses and organizations can choose to sponsor equipment in the playground. Equipment pricing ranges from $1,000 - $12,000, and organizations will receive a plaque next to the piece acknowledging their contribution. Additionally, composite fence posts that can be engraved to commemorate family and personal donations are available for $100. The fundraising committee for the playground plans to reignite efforts this spring and begin sharing sponsorship opportunities more widely.