Bartlett Rotary donates funds for inclusive playground project

On Tuesday, May 24, the Bartlett Rotary Club presented the Bartlett Parks Foundation with a check for $5,000. This donation will be added to the funding for the Free To Be Me Inclusive Playground to be built in Bartlett Park.

Additionally, the Rotary Club pledged to raise an additional $20,000 for the project to be donated in 2017.

The Inclusive Playground project is an $800,000 endeavor that will change lives and bring smiles to faces of children of all abilities. This project includes the removal of the current aging playground, site preparation to accept the new playground structure, landscaping, paving and an ADA restroom.

The playground will include features that spark the elements of play for all. The structures will feature an accessible route via wheelchair or other assistive device to provide access to the components, including a treehouse play structure, dragon fly teeter-totter, cattail spinner balance stick, bumble bee rider, cozy cocoon hanging swing, sensory panels, sound towers with nature sounds, and a surrounding landscaping plan with different textures, colors, and smells.

"Bartlett Park is one of our parks that brings the community together and provides opportunities for many large-scaled events, including the Festival of the Arts, National Night Out, and Chamber of Commerce Tree Lighting Ceremony. It is fitting that this park stands as a beacon to provide opportunities in play for all," said Stephanie Fitzsimons, marketing manager for the Bartlett Park District.

Help make this dream possible by donating to the Bartlett Parks Foundation, 696 W. Stearns Road, Bartlett, IL 60103. The Bartlett Parks Foundation is a 501(c) 3 organization and donations are tax deductible, as allowed by law. Donations of all sizes are appreciated.

For information or to join the foundation, visit bartlettparks.org/general/foundation.aspx or call Stephanie Baxter at (630) 540-4824.

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