The Kiwanis Club of Lapeer is currently raising funds for a fully inclusive and universally accessible playground at Rowden Park in Lapeer, Michigan.
CREATING AN INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY
The Kiwanis Inclusive Playground will provide lasting benefits to the community by showing its members that everyone matters, everyone is invited, and we expect everyone to come, engage, play and contribute together. This nature-inspired playground will be a unique addition to the City of Lapeer park system, Lapeer and surrounding counties; one that will welcome individuals of all ages and abilities to play, learn, and grow together.
CREATING AN INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY
The Kiwanis Inclusive Playground will provide lasting benefits to the community by showing its members that everyone matters, everyone is invited, and we expect everyone to come, engage, play and contribute together. This nature-inspired playground will be a unique addition to the City of Lapeer park system, Lapeer and surrounding counties; one that will welcome individuals of all ages and abilities to play, learn, and grow together.
Please note that the overall playground design and layout is currently undergoing revisions and may vary from shown.
The Kiwanis Inclusive Playground is designed with no barriers - a space for every person, every generation, every ability - a destination for all. By removing the physical and social barriers to inclusion, we are addressing the diverse needs of the large population of individuals living with a disability in Lapeer and surrounding counties.
The playground will be a space for those living with or without a disability or impairment such as:
The playground will be a space for those living with or without a disability or impairment such as:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Cerebral Palsy
- Paralysis
- Speech or Language Impairment
- Learning Disability
- Developmental Delay
- Intellectual Delay
- Emotional Disturbance
- Hearing Impairment
- Orthopedic Impairment
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Visual Impairment
- Deaf-Blindness
- Multiple Disabilities
While most playgrounds within Lapeer County comply with ADA standards and guidelines, they often fall short of full inclusivity for its residents living with disabilities. A significant portion of those living with a disability still face barriers despite ADA compliance. Playgrounds lack essential features such as ramps, smooth pathways, and accessible play equipment, making it challenging for those with mobility impairments to fully participate. Additionally, there are no sensory-friendly areas for children with autism or sensory processing disorders, and accessible restroom facilities are often not available. This lack of inclusivity highlights the need for more thoughtful and comprehensive design to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their age or abilities, can enjoy and benefit from a truly inclusive play experience.
Designed to be a truly inclusive multigenerational outdoor recreation space, individuals of all ages and abilities will experience the joy of meaningful play and physical activity among peers and family. By considering the Principals of Universal Design, we have incorporated multigenerational elements and equipment promoting:
By addressing all needs, we can move towards creating a truly inclusive park system and fostering an inclusive community which caters to everyone.
Designed to be a truly inclusive multigenerational outdoor recreation space, individuals of all ages and abilities will experience the joy of meaningful play and physical activity among peers and family. By considering the Principals of Universal Design, we have incorporated multigenerational elements and equipment promoting:
- Physical Accessibility (accessible equipment, multiple entrances, ramps and handrails, smooth pathways, ground-level play equipment, unitary safety surfacing)
- Inclusive Play (swings with harnesses, wheelchair-accessible equipment, transfer platforms)
- Physical Development and Coordination (balance beams, stepping stones, wobble elements, climbing walls, spinning and swinging elements)
- Sensory Rich Features (musical instruments, textured panels, visual panels, plants and other natural elements such as boulders)
- Sensory-Friendly Spaces (cozy, quiet zones)
- Visual and Auditory Aids (communication symbol signs, braille)
- Restroom Facilities (accessible, year-round heated restrooms)
- Shaded Areas (natural shade from trees along with canopies and seating)
- Nature-Inspiration (natural boulders for seating, plants and flowers, outdoor theater area, natural colors and incorporation of native plant and animal elements)
By addressing all needs, we can move towards creating a truly inclusive park system and fostering an inclusive community which caters to everyone.
The Kiwanis Inclusive Playground will be located at Rowden Park in Lapeer, Michigan. off of N. Main Street (M-24) at Rowden Park in Lapeer County, Michigan. Rowden Park is conveniently located of M-24 just 5 miles north of I-69 and directly across the street from McLaren Lapeer Region Hospital. This beautiful 65-acre park boasts an array of amenities including ample parking including numerous disability parking spaces, a one-mile continuous asphalt pathway (part of the three-mile-long Linear Park Pathway connecting Rowden, Rotary and Annrook Parks), boardwalks over the pond and wetland areas, pedestrian bridges, pavilions, baseball field, small playground, sledding hill, and year-round heated restroom facilities with drinking fountain.
Essential to the project's success is the City of Lapeer, which has committed the property within Rowden Park for the playground. Following completion, the City of Lapeer will absorb the Kiwanis Inclusive Playground as their own and will provide ongoing safety inspections and maintenance, ensuring the playground remains a safe, vibrant, and enduring asset for generations to come.
Essential to the project's success is the City of Lapeer, which has committed the property within Rowden Park for the playground. Following completion, the City of Lapeer will absorb the Kiwanis Inclusive Playground as their own and will provide ongoing safety inspections and maintenance, ensuring the playground remains a safe, vibrant, and enduring asset for generations to come.
CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW IN ACTION
CONTACT US
We are here to answer any questions you may have about this project. Reach out to any Kiwanis Club of Lapeer member, give us a call, or email us. We'll respond as soon as we can.
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ADDRESS
Kiwanis Club of Lapeer c/o Legacy Project P.O. Box 501 Lapeer, MI 48446 |
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The Kiwanis Club of Lapeer Foundation is a 501©3 non-profit organization (EIN 84-5174164). Your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
