In the news...
New playground holds groundbreaking (Shoreview Press, 7/1/14, Katie Johnson)
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New playground holds groundbreaking (Shoreview Press, 7/1/14, Katie Johnson)
click HERE for complete article
Shoreview Community Foundation issues $5,000 Challenge Grant for “A Playground for Everyone” Campaign
The Shoreview Community Foundation is providing a challenge grant to the Turtle Lake Elementary “A Playground for Everyone” campaign. The Foundation will match, one to one, any new money from individual Shoreview Residents toward the project, between February 1 and April 1 up to $5,000.00. “The Turtle Lake Playground for Everyone will enrich our whole community for healthy recreation in an inclusive environment. We are pleased that these funds, donated by residents and businesses, will help move the project to completion and encourage members of the Shoreview community to support the campaign,” said Kent Peterson, Shoreview Community Foundation Vice Chair. With only two months remaining to reach their goal, every gift will bring them closer to completing the campaign and allow an inclusive playground to be built from which every kid and caregiver in our community can benefit in the years to come. The time is now to make a gift to allow for receiving these matching funds. For more information about this project and to make an investment, visit the project’s website at http://turtlelakeplayground.weebly.com. Checks can be made out the Turtle Lake Elementary PTA (memo: Playground) and mailed to Turtle Lake Elementary PTA, 1141 Lepak Ct., Shoreview, MN 55126. |
Letter to the Editor: A Playground for All
It’s amazing what children learn without anyone uttering a word. Early on, they discover that a smiling face means a potential friend. A vacant swing offers an opportunity to soar into the sky. A playground means a chance to interact with classmates during recess. I learned these important childhood lessons nonverbally, and chances are that most residents of this community did, too. But not all children make the same discoveries. Those confined to a wheelchair or in need of crutches learn that standard swings and monkey bars are spectator activities. Children with sensory processing disorders often misread social cues of classmates and see busy playground apparatuses as overwhelming and overly stimulating. In short, these children learn that playgrounds are for other children—not for them. Community members supporting A Playground for Everyone aim to eliminate those nonverbal messages of exclusion by raising funds to improve the existing playground at Turtle Lake School. Such improvements provide important benefits to the community. The most obvious advantage of renovating Turtle Lake School’s playground involves the children attending the school. Principal Darin Johnson stated, “This playground not only allows students to be able to play side by side, but it will also aid in the development of compassionate and caring citizens.” No physical barriers separate children during the school day. Not only Turtle Lake students will benefit. A public-school playground belongs to the community. Anyone driving past the school during the summer or on a weekend will see people of all ages at the playground. A stroke survivor with balance impairment, I have a new appreciation for a playground that enables people of all ages and abilities to interact in an environment that is both fun and safe for everyone. Those who have not had a chance to see the plans for the playground that can meet these goals may go to http://turtlelakeplayground.weebly.com/ I am proud to live in Shoreview, a community exemplary in so many areas. For those asking, “Why do we need an inclusive playground?” I ask you to picture a child you care for interacting with others at Turtle Lake School’s current playground. Then imagine that child looking longingly from the outer boundaries for physical or emotional reasons. Eliminate messages of exclusion. Support A Playground for Everyone. Liv Rosin, Playground Ambassador Shoreview (Shoreview Press, Tuesday, January 28, 2014) |
New Inclusive Playground at Turtle Lake Elementary will be the first of its kind in north metro (Lillie News, 11/20/13, Joshua Nielsen)
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Inclusive playground plan unveiled (Shoreview Press, 3/12/13, Ryan Howard)
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Shoreview playground aims to be regional asset (Shoreview Press, 6/26/12, Nick Backus)
'Inclusive' equipment would allow access for children with disabilities
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Click HERE for complete article.