(Waupun) Showers Monday pushed back a ribbon cutting ceremony for an all new all-abilities playground at the Rock River Intermediate School in Waupun. Held Tuesday, the ceremony was the culmination of a years’ worth of fundraising and planning. Wendi Dawson, Director of Student Services for the Waupun School District, explained the impact the new playground would have on the students and the school, saying that often we take kids being able to play outside for granted. Dawson explained that the school had children who couldn’t play and enjoy the playground. She says they hope that the community and even students who don’t attend Rock River will come and access the new playground.
Dawson explained that initial plans were to simply add onto the existing playground equipment at Rock River, but a site survey recommended a full replacement of the old playground equipment. A parent led group worked to make the all-abilities playground a reality with the help of raised funds from the community, area businesses, and contributions from Waupun Memorial Hospital and Agnesian Healthcare. The group plans to take remaining funds and pay it forward to other area schools so they too can install all-abilities playgrounds to benefit children of any ability level.
