On August 15, more than 100 community members gathered for the ribbon-cutting of the first phase of the Alexander Inclusive Playground at Alexander Elementary School. Two years in the making, this playground offers a space where children with mobility, vision, hearing, and sensory challenges can play.

“Together, we have accomplished something truly remarkable – the construction of an inclusive playground that will serve as a symbol of unity, joy, and inclusivity for our school and the entire community,” said Lisa Wigal, co-chair of the Alexander Inclusive Playground Project, as she addressed the attendees. Wigal’s daughter, Emma, uses a wheelchair. “As we stand here today, surrounded by the laughter and joy of our children, let us remember the incredible things we can achieve when we come together as a community.”

One of the first supporters of the project was the Athens County Foundation (ACF). “At the beginning of this project, we met with Diane McVey from Athens Rotary and Kerry Pigman from the Athens County Foundation,” said Alexander Inclusive Playground Project co-chair Annah Korpi. Korpi’s son, Isidoro, also uses a wheelchair. “They said, ‘This sounds interesting, let’s talk.’ That was the vote of confidence I needed … that was worth its weight in gold.”

Kerry Pigman, ACF’s Executive Director, reflected on the journey, saying, “I’m deeply inspired by the dedication and spirit of the parents, children, and community members who have rallied around the Alexander Inclusive Playground project.” This dedication was a driving force behind ACF’s decision to support the playground with a $25,000 fall cycle grant and two additional $3,000 capacity-building grants. These funds helped the playground committee develop a website, print materials, and other resources to seek further funding.

Playground features include a four-foot-tall set of monkey bars accessible from a wheelchair, an accessible central play area, and a wheelchair-accessible “ship” that rocks back and forth. The playground ensures that children of all abilities can interact and play together. “I’m glad they built stuff for people with disabilities (so) they don’t feel left out,” said 14-year-old Jovia Richards, who uses a wheelchair and attended Alexander from kindergarten through eighth grade. She added, “I can do stuff by myself (and) I can actually hang out with my friends. I don’t have to be left out.”

The playground also serves as a public park after school hours, creating a space for the entire community to enjoy. Kerry Pigman emphasized, “The commitment to a participatory process has ensured that this playground truly reflects the needs and dreams of everyone involved. When every voice is heard and every hand contributes, we create not just a playground, but a symbol of unity and shared purpose.”

The committee’s ability to secure additional funding was bolstered by ACF’s initial support. In the end, Ohio Rep. Jay Edwards secured $260,000 from the state capital budget, the Athens County commissioners directed $70,000 from a community development block grant to the playground, and other large donations came from local businesses, foundations, churches, and individuals. The community’s support was overwhelming, with more than 400 individual donations, including contributions as small as $1.43 from a child’s piggy bank and a $2 allowance.

In place of a traditional ribbon-cutting, students ran through a large ribbon, symbolizing the breaking down of barriers that limited the use of traditional playgrounds. The event featured music by DJ B-Funk and food by Larry’s Dawg House and Kona Ice, all sponsored by Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

The playground’s next phase will add features such as a wheelchair-accessible merry-go-round, an inclusive see-saw, and an adaptive seat swing. The final phase will include more play equipment, including a pre-k and kindergarten playground, plus accessible rubber surfacing.

To donate to the final phase, visit alexanderinclusiveplayground.org and click the donate button.