by Dennis Dalman
Plans have accelerated to make a long-anticipated dream come true – a regional inclusive playground in Sartell Lions Regional Community Park, located right across from city hall.
An inclusive playground is one at which children who are physically challenged, including those in wheelchairs, can interact socially and play together on its rubbery non-slip surface.
The park will be designated as “regional,” which means anyone from any area can enjoy it.
On the playground will be 12 main pieces of playtime equipment designed by local parents whose children would benefit from such a playtime opportunity. One feature will be a wheelchair-accessible merry-go-round.
The estimated cost of constructing the playground is $400,000, and three Lions clubs are partnering to raise funds for the project. Those clubs are the Sartell Lions, the LeSauk Lions and the St. Stephen Lions. They have also applied for an International Lions grant of $100,000.
The City of Sartell and the Sartell-St. Stephen School District are also partners in the playground project, along with many partners – all of whom, with the Lions, will provide input in designing the amenity.
Lions clubs throughout the world have for many decades taken on projects to help challenged people, especially those who are sight-impaired or blind. The clubs fund and promote leader dogs and eyeglass recycling, as well as a wide variety of civic projects such as scholarships, clean-ups, Adopt a Highway, buckthorn removal, Christmas tree collections and countless ways to help people in need.
There are 18 members of the Sartell Lions, about 50 in the LeSauk club and close to 40 in The St. Stephen one.
Sartell Lions Club president/secretary Stu Giffen explained why he and many others are enthusiastic about the playground project.
The Sartell Lions, spearheaded by member Mike DeLuca, created Sartell Lions Community Park in 2004 on wooded acreage, putting in trails wide enough for wheelchairs, trail handrails and other amenities, including a playground. The playground is popular, but unfortunately it was not designed for special-needs children.
The nearest inclusive playground is 60 miles from Sartell, Giffin said, adding there are an estimated 200 children living in Sartell who have special needs.
“The playground would be in a perfect location near schools, a walking-biking path, the Scheels Event Center, businesses and homes,” Giffin said. “This will be an awesome addition to the entire region. The three Lions clubs are working hard to fund it through individuals, corporations and fellow Lions clubs. It’s a great opportunity for the Sartell area residents to improve our community for all kids.”
Jill Murphy, supervisor of the school district’s special-education program, is thrilled about the proposed playground. She wrote the following endorsement of the project.
“We strongly believe that an inclusive playground at Lions Community Park will not only attract our local families but become a regional draw for a population of children who typically cannot access playgrounds in their neighborhoods. The community city of Woodbury has seen this happen upon creating ‘Madison’s Place.’ It is an incredible statement of a community’s values to provide inclusive environments for its children.
“An accessible playground in Sartell will support the inclusion of many: from children who use wheelchairs, walkers or other mobility aids; children with balance issues and gross-motor delays; and students with autism or other sensory-processing needs. Beyond children, this accessibility will also impact parents with disabilities who may not be able to physically support their children as they learn to play on a non-accessible playground.”
Sartell Schools Superintendent Jeff Ridlehoover also expressed support for the playground.
“Our district is thrilled to have been invited to partner in the design and promotional phases of the project. This project is amazing, and we will continue to support it with both words and time,” Ridlehoover wrote.
Fundraisers
A major fundraiser kick-off for the playground will take place from 2-5 p.m. Sunday, May 22 at the Blue Line Sports Bar & Grill in Sartell. Members of all three Lions clubs involved will be there to greet those who attend. There will be 50/50 raffles, a Master Grilling raffle (barbeque equipment) and several speakers.
Sartell resident and intrepid volunteer Dennis Molitor has agreed to lead a project to construct a “Recognition Display” near the inclusive playground. It will contain a storyboard, as well as names of major donors who helped make the playground a reality. Anyone donating more than $1,000 will be recognized on the display. Donor levels are Gold ($1,000), Platinum ($5,000) and Diamond ($10,000).
Other upcoming fun fundraisers include the following:
Wednesday, May 18 starting at 5 p.m. A Bike Rodeo will take place at the Sartell Community Center, featuring a hot-dog meal and a display will show artists’ drawings of the proposed inclusive playground. Members of all three Lions clubs will attend the Bike Rodeo.
Monday, July 25: A Golf for the Playground event at Blackberry Ridge Golf Course in Sartell. It will be an 18-hole format with dinner and awards to follow the golfing.
Every Tuesday in June and July (except for July 5): During the Tuesday Swing into Summer activities at the Sartell Community Center, there will be displays of the playground plans, cook-outs led by Lions members and opportunities to contribute funds.
People who would like to donate can send a check made out to The Waters Church, 1227 Pinecone Road N., Sartell, MN 56377. On the memo line of the check, write “Inclusive Playground.” The Waters Church has agreed to be the fiscal agent for the donations.
Checks can also be sent to the Sartell Lions, P.O. Box 7, Sartell, Minnesota; or sent or brought to Liberty Bank, 198 Pinecone Road N., Sartell, MN 56377.
