Ella's Music Garden
Donation protected
In honor of our sweet Ella's 16th birthday on February 9, our family is hoping to raise funds for Oakledge for All, an universally accessible playground at Oakledge Park in Burlington, VT. Specifically, we want to contribute to the planned music garden in the playground. Phase one of the beautiful playground has already been completed with accessible swings and an amazing wheel chair rocker. Phase two is the music garden, which I'm sure would have been Ella's favorite.
Ella passed away 4.5 years ago at the age of 11. Ella had a severe form of cerebral palsy from a traumatic birth injury. Ella was a huge part of our community, always teaching and sharing her unconditional love. One of the things that people seem to remember most about Ella was her radiant smile that sent laser beams of love straight to the hearts of all that met her.
Oakledge Park is a very special place for our family. Ella, Dave and I spent nearly every summer evening at the park sitting on the concrete wall by the water's edge watching the sunset together.
In May 2014, we held Ella’s celebration of life ceremony at the park's pavilion at the top of the hill. To have this amazing playground constructed in this very special park feels like the devine work of Ella herself. Dave, Manny and I want to help as much as we can to honor our amazing girl.
The life of a special needs parent is not an easy one, a big part of our lives is spent making accommodations for our kids. Trying to fit our kids into a world that’s not designed for them. Every day tasks that most take for granted are presented to special needs parents like mountains we must climb each and every day. Bathrooms, beds, school buildings, school desks, stairs and playgrounds are not designed with our children in mind. Our kids end up sitting on the sidelines observing life, when all they want to do is live it. Nothing made Ella happier then being surrounded by her friends and part of their joyful laughter.
This playground is like nothing else in the state of Vermont. It’s truly designed for the child with special needs. All the equipment is designed for our kids to participate and be part of the fun. For once, our kids are not an afterthought made quickly to fit into the guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act. This playground is for all to play, to enjoy and to learn from each other. Our beautiful children can be part of the action now, and do what they want to do most of all PLAY!
Inclusive spaces strengthen communities by nurturing understanding, openness, and friendship. Oakledge for All will serve residents and visitors alike, and also inspire other communities wishing to make their own parks and playgrounds more accessible.
Oakledge for All is a volunteer initiative to build Vermont’s first universally accessible playground because we believe everyone deserves to play.
Our mission is to foster inclusion and strengthen community by improving the accessibility of our community’s playgrounds and parks so that they are welcoming and fun for anyone who wants to enjoy them.
Ella passed away 4.5 years ago at the age of 11. Ella had a severe form of cerebral palsy from a traumatic birth injury. Ella was a huge part of our community, always teaching and sharing her unconditional love. One of the things that people seem to remember most about Ella was her radiant smile that sent laser beams of love straight to the hearts of all that met her.
Oakledge Park is a very special place for our family. Ella, Dave and I spent nearly every summer evening at the park sitting on the concrete wall by the water's edge watching the sunset together.
In May 2014, we held Ella’s celebration of life ceremony at the park's pavilion at the top of the hill. To have this amazing playground constructed in this very special park feels like the devine work of Ella herself. Dave, Manny and I want to help as much as we can to honor our amazing girl.
The life of a special needs parent is not an easy one, a big part of our lives is spent making accommodations for our kids. Trying to fit our kids into a world that’s not designed for them. Every day tasks that most take for granted are presented to special needs parents like mountains we must climb each and every day. Bathrooms, beds, school buildings, school desks, stairs and playgrounds are not designed with our children in mind. Our kids end up sitting on the sidelines observing life, when all they want to do is live it. Nothing made Ella happier then being surrounded by her friends and part of their joyful laughter.
This playground is like nothing else in the state of Vermont. It’s truly designed for the child with special needs. All the equipment is designed for our kids to participate and be part of the fun. For once, our kids are not an afterthought made quickly to fit into the guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act. This playground is for all to play, to enjoy and to learn from each other. Our beautiful children can be part of the action now, and do what they want to do most of all PLAY!
Inclusive spaces strengthen communities by nurturing understanding, openness, and friendship. Oakledge for All will serve residents and visitors alike, and also inspire other communities wishing to make their own parks and playgrounds more accessible.
Oakledge for All is a volunteer initiative to build Vermont’s first universally accessible playground because we believe everyone deserves to play.
Our mission is to foster inclusion and strengthen community by improving the accessibility of our community’s playgrounds and parks so that they are welcoming and fun for anyone who wants to enjoy them.
Organizer
Julie Peoples-Clark
Organizer
South Burlington, VT