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, they lack 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.
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ZIPKROOZ
> WATCH VIDEO > LEARN MORE The ZipKrooz brings new adventure to the playground in an exciting, safe way. Unlike other playground zip lines, this is a two-way, long lasting ultra-smooth ride, eliminating the need to walk the seat back to start. We're adding an additional bay of equal length for double the fun with a rotationally molded bucket seat with lock-in-place harness keeps kids with limited upper- or lower-body strength secure. Individuals of all abilities can race side-by-side to the end and back. |
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WE-GO-ROUND
> WATCH VIDEO > LEARN MORE The We-Go-Round is fully wheelchair accessible and allows individuals of all abilities to interact - spin, laugh and have fun together. It can be turned from the inside or outside, allowing everyone to participate in the fun. The base is flush with surrounding surfacing for easy wheelchair roll-on, and the roof provides shade while playing. All users face the center for better interaction and inclusion. |
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WE-SAW
> WATCH VIDEO > LEARN MORE The We-saw is a new take on the traditional seesaw with a unique design and gentle rocking motion inviting kids and families of all ages and abilities to participate in the fun. The We-saw is wheelchair accessible. It provides opportunities for collaborative play and teamwork. |
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FLEXX SWING AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORSHIP - $5,000
> WATCH VIDEO > LEARN MORE The all-new Flexx Swing is a fully inclusive thrill ride that lets individuals recline while swinging, creating an entirely different sensation from standard swings. Wide open sides offer plenty of transfer area and its size allows for multiple users for added fun. The proprietary steel-reinforced net makes for a comfortable and exciting adventure. |
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GOBLET DRUMS
> WATCH VIDEO > LEARN MORE The Goblet Drums provide individuals of all ages a fun drumming experience creating unique percussive sounds. Aluminum drum skins, which can be played with fingers or hands, stand up to extreme temperatures and rigorous play. The arched design of the drums allows for easy roll-up inclusive access for those in a wheelchair or other mobility device. |
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METALLOPHONE AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORSHIP - $7,500
> WATCH VIDEO This extravagant instrument is fully wheelchair accessible; everyone can take part in experiencing the great musical quality. Multiple mallets accommodate both solo performances and playing compositions with friends, new and old. |
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CURVA SPINNER AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORSHIP - $3,500 each
> WATCH VIDEO > LEARN MORE The Curva Spinner is a fun addition for one or multiple individuals to spin and rotate around and around. The spinning motion offers vestibular stimulation and promotes experimentation with centrifugal force and cause-and-effect. |
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SPRIG AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORSHIP - $40,000
> WATCH VIDEO > LEARN MORE Budding climbers can go to the just-right heights on the Smart Play Sprig. Kids can discover a variety of ways to flex emerging skills while exploring this whimsical structure that looks like it’s sprouting from the earth. Children using a wheeled mobility device can easily interact with their friends, allowing all children to fully engage in pretend play. |
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COZY DOME AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORSHIP - $5,000
The Cozy Dome provides a calm, enclosed space for kids who feel overstimulated, helping them regulate emotions and sensory input. It encourages solitary play and small social interactions, supporting diverse sensory needs. The peek holes allow children to feel secure while still being able to observe their surroundings reducing anxiety. Additionally, the textured exterior offers tactile stimulation and climbing opportunities for all. |
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HILLSIDE ELEMENTS
A variety of elements built right into the hillside provides a tactile and auditory experience while individuals slide and climb in a variety of ways. The roller slide is wide enough for children to slide down together. The rollers eliminate any possible static build-up which allows children with cochlear implants to play without the fear of static electricity. The mounted handgrips and rope climber encourage motor planning skills and build upper body strength and motor coordination. The wiggle ladder with solid wood planks requires core body strength as well as balance and coordination. |
LEARNING PANELS AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORSHIP - $3,500 each
The Braille & Clock Panel enables children to explore different ways of communicating with each other. One side of the panel includes the Braille alphabet while the other side contains an interactive clock with Braille numbers. The Sign Language Panel for Learning Walls teaches the American Manual Alphabet to children and adults of all abilities. The Marble Panel offers a unique sensory-rich visual, auditory and tactile experience with its brilliant wall of marbles.
The Braille & Clock Panel enables children to explore different ways of communicating with each other. One side of the panel includes the Braille alphabet while the other side contains an interactive clock with Braille numbers. The Sign Language Panel for Learning Walls teaches the American Manual Alphabet to children and adults of all abilities. The Marble Panel offers a unique sensory-rich visual, auditory and tactile experience with its brilliant wall of marbles.
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SADDLE SPINNERS AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORSHIP - $2,000 for pair
> WATCH VIDEO The Saddle Spinner helps kids learn about cause-and-effect as they use their body weight to spin. Allows kids to spin the day away as their body weight shifts and they develop better depth perception and balance. |
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OPEN THEATER/STAGE
The outdoor theater and stage area is designed to be flexible space to be used for various activities including small theatrical and musical productions, outdoor education, puppet shows, movie nights and more. With an outdoor classroom, children can enjoy learning in a unique way that will keep them engaged, interested, and excited for longer. |
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LOG BENCH AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORSHIP - $2,000
The Log Bench adds a nature-inspired feel to the whole park environment! Multiple seating options are planned for the playground. Log benches will also be incorporated into the theater and stage area for those enjoying performances or educational experiences. |
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ANIMAL TRACKS AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORSHIP - $4,000
> LEARN MORE This seek and find adventure encourages individuals to seek and find the different animal tracks scattered throughout the playground. The tracks are hidden in the form of medallions located on posts and panels. This engages children and families in cooperative or competitive play as they work their way around the playground to find the assorted footprints. |
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SINGLE BOBBLE RIDER AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORSHIP - $2,500
The Bobble Rider gives children the chance to rock back and forth together or by themself with tons of springy, wobbly, bobbly action! Singularly, they will need to use their muscles in a coordinated way to create motion. Together, they will enjoy this linear motion through space as they work together to coordinate their movement to successfully ride together. |
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DOUBLE BOBBLE RIDER
> WATCH VIDEO The Bobble Rider gives children the chance to rock back and forth together or by themself with tons of springy, wobbly, bobbly action! Together, they will enjoy this linear motion through space as they work together to coordinate their movement to successfully ride together. |
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CHILL SPINNER AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORSHIP - $3,500 each
> WATCH VIDEO > LEARN MORE Take a fun spin on the Chill Spinner or just relax in its comfortable seat. The spinning motion offers vestibular stimulation and helps kids understand centrifugal force and cause-and-effect. Textured rubber belting creates a comfortable and secure ride. The seat height allows users to be in control of the movement. |
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SYMBOL COMMUNICATION BOARD
Pictures and symbols are an effective way for non-verbal, speech-challenged, and early-learning individuals to communicate with friends and caregivers. Developed with guidance from experts, adding this sign to a play area ensures that everyone can express themselves! Also great for those who speak different languages. |
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SWINGS
Swinging back and forth is more than it seems. This simple motion fuels the nervous system with visual, vestibular and proprioceptive information. Through swinging, children learn how their bodies move through space, the speed of movements they like, and the motor planning necessary to resist or increase active movement. Swinging also builds core and grip strength by holding onto the swing and can improve coordination when a child learns to pump their legs and swing by themselves. There are emotional benefits to swinging, too. Often this simple activity helps calm an overstimulated child. |
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LOG CRAWL TUNNEL AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORSHIP - $2,500
> WATCH VIDEO The Log Crawl Tunnel provides for climbing movement and crawling or scooting helping to develop gross motor skills and teaching control of arms and legs. Tunnels can also be used as a quiet place for children to self-regulate their emotions and return to play when they feel ready. The tunnel even has a hidden mouse in the knothole. |
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LOG BALANCE BEAM AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORSHIP - $1,500
> WATCH VIDEO The Log Balance Beam is a nature-inspired playground component that challenges kids' balance and provides choice in path. Balance beams are good for inclusive playgrounds because they promote physical and cognitive development in children with varying abilities by improving balance, coordination, and concentration in a controlled environment. |
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WE-GO-SWING
> WATCH VIDEO > LEARN MORE The We-Go-Swing is a revolutionary step forward in inclusive play experiences. This swing lets individuals of all abilities play together and experience the thrill of swinging. With no need to transfer, the We-Go-Swing opens up a whole new world of playground fun. |
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SHADE & SEATING STRUCTURES AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORSHIP - $5,000-$10,000
Numerous shade and seating structures are planned for the playground. Shade and seating areas are crucial as they provide individuals with a protected area to rest and cool down from the sun, reducing the risk of heatstroke and sunburn, while also offering a comfortable space to take a break during playtime, enhancing the overall play experience and encouraging longer periods of outdoor activity. For some individuals with disabilities, these spaces will make the difference between their being able to enjoy the space or not. |
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SAFETY SURFACING AVAILABLE FOR SPONSORSHIP
A variety of safety surfacing materials are planned for the playground including Poured In Place (PIP) Rubber, Synthetic Grass and Engineered Wood Fiber (EWF). Safety surfacing is crucial for an inclusive playground because it ensures that all individuals, regardless of their abilities, can play safely by significantly reducing the risk of serious injuries from falls, which is especially important for those who may have difficulty with balance or mobility, making the playground accessible to a wider range of users. |
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SERVICES ALL IN-KIND SUPPORT WELCOMED
A variety of products and services will be required for the completion of the playground. We are seeking in-kind sponsorships for items such as:
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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 |
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.




