By Bill Robinson
Senior News Writer
RICHMOND —
Supporters of a playground accessible for handicapped children at Lake Reba Park have resumed their effort to win a $25,000 Pepsi Refresh grant.
Grants are awarded based on Internet voting, said Erin Moore, assistant director of the Richmond Parks and Recreation Department. The Arc of Madison County and the Eastern Kentucky University Recreation and Parks Administration department are co-sponsoring the effort.
Votes can be cast by visiting the website, www.refresheverything.com/lakerebaplayground, and clinking on “Vote for this idea,” either at the upper right corner or bottom center of the page. Votes may be cast daily.
Those without access to computers or the Internet can do so for free at either branch of the Madison County Public Library.
“Opportunities to vote began Wednesday and continues through Sept. 30,” Moore said. “If the Lake Reba playground finishes in the top 10, we will receive $25,000.”
On Wednesday afternoon, the Lake Reba project was ranked 70th in the voting, according to information posted on the website.
With the $22,000 previously raised, winning a Pepsi Refresh grant would assure construction of the playground, Moore said.
The playground area would have a soft surface, and children would not have to negotiate steps or ramps to use the equipment. Selected equipment would appeal to children of all ability levels, Moore said, including those with vision, hearing, mobility and cognitive issues.
The playground equipment was selected to promote physical strength, coordination, fine and gross motor skills, flexibility, improved cognitive skills, visual benefits, hearing benefits, stimulate senses, social interaction and develop self confidence, she said.
The playground would be constructed between two existing playgrounds and not be limited to children with disabilities. Its theme will be, “Where All Kids Can Play Together.”
In addition to children with disabilities, handicapped veterans, grandparents or moms with strollers would be able to easily access the playground, Moore said.
“Recreation is therapeutic for all abilities,” Moore said. “Play helps kids release energy, laugh and socialize. Beginning at a young age, play is necessary for development of the mind and the body. Providing a structure to assist with these natural instincts would serve the children, the parents, and the community with continuous positive results.”
Other fundraising efforts for the playground continue. The Richmond and Bluegrass Rotary clubs have pledged to donate the proceeds from their Diamonds and Denim Ball, to take place Nov. 20 at the new U.S. Army Guard and Reserve center at the Blue Grass Army Depot.
Bill Robinson can be reached at brobinson@richmondregister.comor at 624-6622.
