Children of all abilities deserve a place to play, connect, and thrive. But in an underserved L.A. community, that opportunity is limited − there is only one park in the area and it currently has no play equipment. We are hoping to change this with your help.

Our project team recently secured a $50,000 grant as well as a $25,000 contribution to build an accessible, sensory-friendly playground at the park − one designed with the community, for the community. However, to fully realize this opportunity, we hope to raise an additional $100,000.

Transform Health Outcomes:

More than one-third of families with children under five in the surrounding community live below the federal poverty line.

For families facing these challenges, accessible recreation isn’t just hard to find − it’s often never even considered. Consequently, when new playgrounds are built, the question we must ask is: Who are they really for?

Through this project, we hope to not only improve the physical health of children with various abilities and needs, but through community engagement events such as providing input on playground design and decorating the playground with stencils, create opportunities that support their emotional and social health. We also plan to have a Community Ambassador program to help ensure the community’s voice is at the heart of this project.

We have several community partners, including Inclusion Matters by Shane's Inspiration. An internationally recognized expert in inclusive playground design, Inclusion Matters is providing in-kind project support through design, outreach, and program evaluation.

Your contribution will go directly to the realization of the completion of this project. Projects like this don’t often occur because of budget and space constraints. However, we now have momentum to create a sustainable community play space.

By creating a playground that is inclusive, we’re not just adding equipment that builds a foundation for good health, we’re shifting expectations. And most importantly, we’re making a statement that all children, regardless of ability or background, deserve access to spaces where they can belong.

For more information on the original grant proposal, please visit: https://inclusionmatters.org/healthequity/