Free 2 Play!
Last weekend, I was privileged to represent the Foundation at the grand opening celebration of Free 2 Play, the first Boundless Playground in Spartanburg County (and only the 2nd in SC). A Boundless Playground is designed to encourage outdoor physical activity for all children – regardless of their abilities – and provides ample opportunities for children with disabilities, who previously have had limited access to playground equipment. The Foundation provided a $50,000 matching grant to allow Carolina Miracle League to complete the park. Here is a summary of my comments from the opening ceremony:
“A healthy and well community should have opportunities for people of all abilities and public playgrounds are no exception. Free 2 Play will promote and encourage physical activity among children with disabilities and among children generally considered to be developing typically. It will also increase awareness about and acceptance of people with disabilities.”
A special thank you to Jennifer and Michael Orseck, Pam Dean, and the countless others who worked tirelessly to make Free 2 Play a reality. Their vision has made our community a better and more inclusive place to live. Their efforts have provided a place where people in our community – regardless of their ability – can come together to play. They have created a place where we can learn about people who are different from us and, more importantly, about what makes us similar.”
-Molly Talbot-Metz