Sunshine Project gives update to Rotary Club  

Members of the New Bremen-New Knoxville Rotary Club recently heard an update on the progress of the Sunshine Playground Project from members of the Sunshine Project Committee.  Kristin Hough, Committee Chairwoman and Rotary President, summarized the fundraising progress.  “The total funds raised to date, including in-kind donations and the Club’s donation of $25,000.00, are sitting at just over $125,000.00,” said Hough.  “That puts us over the halfway point toward our fundraising goal of $250,000.00.  The Rotary Board has made the commitment that $10,000.00 from last year’s Rotary Auction will transfer to the Sunshine Playground Project.  Seventy-five percent of the funds raised at this year’s Rotary Auction will also go to the Sunshine Playground Project.” 

Hough outlined six different grants that the committee has applied for over the past year that were not awarded to the project.  The project is currently up for two smaller grants and is waiting for the outcome of those grants.  The quarter auction last year raised over $3,000.00,” said Hough.  “We hope that the auction on the 21^st will do as well for us again this year.”  Hough noted that the costs of steel and other equipment items has increased, so it is urgent that funds are raised as quickly as possible.  “The sooner we raise our funds, the sooner we can begin the project and avoid any additional increases in cost,” said Hough. 

Scott Frey, who handles the public relations duties for the Rotary Club reported on the various PR efforts being made to promote the project.  “We use many different media to get the word out about the progress of the project,” said Frey.  “We’ve done radio programs and live broadcasts, TV interviews and we’ve had substantial coverage in the newspapers.  We also use Facebook, Twitter, e-mail and the website www.rotarysunshineproject.org to promote the project.”  The Sunshine Project has benefited greatly from the cooperation of local chambers of commerce and Rotary Clubs in Celina, St. Marys and Wapakoneta in getting the word out about the project.  “I have met several parents of special needs children who are blown away by this project,” said Frey.  “They are very excited about the idea that their children will be able to enjoy playing with other children on a playground suited specifically for them.”

Rotarian and Sunshine Committee member Kathy Trejo discussed the layout and content of the Sunshine Playground.  Trejo, a landscape architect with Garmann-Miller and Associates, specializes in constructing children’s play environments and pediatric therapy gardens.  “Play is the most important thing for a child,” said Trejo.  “We want to include every child in that.  One-hundred fifty-eight out of every 1,000 children have some sort of special needs or developmental disability.  This playground must be as well-rounded as possible and must include as many kids as it can.”  Trejo explained the various forms of play and how children develop through play.  Spinning, swinging, climbing, and sitting all play important roles in the developmental process for children.  She emphasized the importance of having the proper equipment in the playground to accommodate children with varying developmental disabilities.  Several other important aspects have been considered in designing the playground including: ease of access; safety; integration with the existing playground; and social and family integration.

The project is slated to break ground in May 2012 and should be completed and open in August 2012.  The Sunshine Playground will be the only 100% handicapped accessible playground within a 70-mile radius, serving all of west central Ohio.

Hosting Rotarian: Scott Frey