by Dennis Dalman
The “All-Inclusive Playground” in Sartell Lions Community Park has been extremely popular since it opened in 2023, but it badly needs a shelter and restroom facility.
The only toilet option in the park now is a porta-potty in the parking lot far from the playground. And the three local Lions clubs are doing something about that, raising funds to make a restroom-facility and shelter possible.
LeSauk Township has just donated $30,000 on May 13 toward the proposed project.
“It’s such a generous donation,” Sartell Lions Club member Stu Giffin told the Newsleaders. “That generous funding will greatly assist the realization of this project.”
Giffin explained to the Newsleaders what the project entails. The three area Lions clubs (Sartell, LeSauk, St. Stephen) are working together to raise funds for the project. The City of Sartell will also provide assistance during the project’s construction.
The plan
The plan involves construction of toilet facilities that will include an adult changing table as well as a shelter for two picnic tables that are handicapped-accessible and adjacent to the inclusive playground.
The restroom facility will be built with specifications spelled out by the national Americans With Disabilities Act.
Donate
To make a tax-deductible donation, write a check to “The Waters Church” and on the check’s memo line write “Sartell Lions Bathroom.” Then mail the check to The Waters Church, 1227 Pinecone Road N., Sartell, MN 56377.
If people have questions or suggestions, they can contact Lions member Giffin at 651-261-4272 or email him at stuart.giffin52@email.com.
Working together
The restroom/shelter project is the latest major amenity to be undertaken by the three area Lions clubs in Lions Community Park. The more recent one was the construction of the all-inclusive playground, specifically designed so kids of every ability level can enjoy it, including those who are physically challenged.
For that project, the only one of its kind in central Minnesota, the three clubs raised $400,000.
“That playground has become a huge success with many kids playing together,” Giffin said. “It features a wide array of playground equipment including those for the mobility-challenged. The surface is special as the usual wood chips, sand or gravel have been replaced by a colorful rubberized surface permitting strollers, wheelchairs and walkers.”
Lions Park
Sartell Lions Community Park was built in 2005, coordinated and organized by Sartell Lion Mike DeLuca. It’s located right across from City Hall along Pinecone Road N.
The park was created for adults and/or children who are challenged by mobility or vision problems. It features 2,250 feet of eight-feet wide paved walking trails with handrails on both sides. The trail winds through a wooded area by Watab Creek.
