Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Kiwanis Park’s new barrier free playground celebrated its Grand Opening on Thursday, July 16, hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Stuart and the City of Stuart. As partners, Kiwanis Club of Stuart and the City of Stuart present this playground, designed for children who have special needs ranging from intellectual disabilities, autism mobility issues, visual impairment, etc.
The Grand Opening festivities include a ribbon cutting, face painting, bubbles and other fun activities for children as well as hamburgers and hot dogs.
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The playground is covered with synthetic turf so that wheelchairs can move freely and adults with disabilities or mobility issues can play with their children and includes a swing for children who use a wheelchair exclusively, a ramped area with music, sensory and educational pieces.
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The opportunity for children with and without disabilities to play together from an early age will make a significant impact on being accepting of differences as they grow up together.
Research shows that the incidence of bullying and teasing can be reduced as children learn about different kinds of strengths and weaknesses through play. The more understanding we have as we grow up, the fewer problems of prejudice.
The Kiwanis Club of Stuart and the City of Stuart are celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Kiwanis Park this year and opening Phase 1 of the barrier free playground is the perfect occasion to have a party.
Phase 2 of the project will provide shaded areas, additional play equipment and accessible benches and picnic tables.
The community is invited to participate in helping make Kiwanis Park all it can be for the residents and visitors of our fair city.
General donations and naming opportunities are available at KiwanisClubofStuart.org.
For additional information, please call Suzy Hutcheson at 772-320-0777.