With backing of O’Fallon Police, children with disabilities have a new place to play

With its accessible ramps, swings with proper support, soft surfaces, sound considerations and interactive panels, the All-Abilities Playground is officially open at the O’Fallon Community Park.

The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 198, which named it the Playground of Champions, was instrumental in helping make it happen. The members hope it will be a continuing education tool in the city, said Brian Gimpel, a sergeant who has been a longtime detective in the police department.

Andrew Dallner, director of parks and recreation, said he was very excited to share this with the community, during the ribbon-cutting Monday.

“We’re proud to provide a playground that is open and accessible to everyone. Another huge thank you to the donors, volunteers, city leadership, and parks staff that made this dream a reality,” he said.

The city’s goal was that an All-Abilities Playground would benefit not only children with mobility challenges, and those with sensory processing disorders and other cognitive challenges, but also the broader community.

“It can become a focal point for the community, bringing people from different backgrounds together. It creates a space where everyone can interact, fostering a sense of community and belonging,” Dallner said.

The O’Fallon police officers’ union gave $25,000 to secure naming rights and be the top sponsor, and it has been heavily involved in supporting the Special Olympics over the years.

“We discussed ways to make significant contributions that could truly be a difference maker in our community,” Gimpel said.

Breaking down barriers between those with and without disabilities has been the goal since the process to build a new All Abilities Playground began over a year ago, and the community responded through donations and support, along with the city using the Build O’Fallon Trust Fund.

Playground of Champions

The name was unveiled Oct. 30 at the grand opening of the ADA-accessible playground, which is on the north side of the park, just west of the Log Cabin, at 401 E. Fifth Street.

“As far as naming rights, we basically narrowed it down to two names: Guardians and Playground of Champions. We know there were some in the community who wanted the playground named after specific individuals, but we just felt like there are too many individuals to choose from,” Gimpel said.

“Guardians represented what officers are called who represent the Law Enforcement Torch Run. This also ties into the ‘all abilities’ aspect of the playground. While a great option, the members didn’t want the playground to be about us.”

Gimpel said the FOP members selected Playground of Champions with the thought that everyone can be a champion, everyone can play here, everyone can play together on this playground.

“And to honor certain individuals in the community, our plan is to have plaques around the playground with information about individuals and what they did. So rather than ‘just a name’ we want to educate the public who visits the Playground of Champions,” he said.

Ongoing support

Gimpel said police efforts on community outreach increased awareness of needs, and the community was generous in response.

“We were fortunate during COVID and received more donations while other charitable organizations couldn’t continue. Our businesses and sponsors just continued to give as they knew more people would need help,” he said.

“We are proud to have our name associated with so many great things around town. We would not be able to accomplish this without the generous support of our sponsors.”

In September, the O’Fallon Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 198 donated a bus with a wheelchair lift to the local Special Olympics Illinois- Region J organization, Parent Teacher Organization for Exceptional Children, because the group was in dire need of handicap accessible transportation. With their donation of $25,000 to make that happen, they have spent $50,000 on these two projects.

“The O’Fallon FOP will continue to be involved in more community outreach events,” Gimpel said.

Construction began in the spring and then in late summer, about 30 volunteers helped with some of the final installation.

Dallner said the playground and pool improvements were the two top priority rankings in the Build O’Fallon Trust Fund surveys.

The city provided opportunities to have sponsors donate to make names permanently part of the project.

A part of the Parks Master Plan, the Community Park is undergoing significant upgrades, in addition to the new playground, with trails and bike paths, a new swimming pool, event space, and new community center.

Why it’s important

Dallner laid out the key reasons why this project is important:

• Inclusivity and social interaction: All-abilities playgrounds create an environment where children of varying abilities can play together. This promotes social interaction, empathy, and understanding among children, fostering a sense of unity and breaking down barriers between those with and without disabilities.
• Physical development: These playgrounds often feature equipment designed to accommodate children with mobility challenges. Accessible ramps, swings with proper support, and soft surfaces help promote physical activity and gross motor skill development for children of all abilities.
• Cognitive and sensory stimulation: All-abilities playgrounds can incorporate sensory-rich elements such as textured surfaces, sound features, and interactive panels. These elements provide cognitive and sensory stimulation, benefiting children with sensory processing disorders and other cognitive challenges.
• Emotional well-being: Access to play opportunities is essential for the emotional well-being of all children. When children with disabilities are included in play, they experience a sense of belonging and self-worth, which can positively impact their overall mental health.
• Education and awareness: All-abilities playgrounds offer an opportunity to educate children and adults about different abilities and disabilities. By interacting with individuals who have varying needs, people can develop greater empathy, understanding, and acceptance.
• Family bonding: Families with children of different abilities can enjoy quality time together in an inclusive setting. These playgrounds provide a space where parents and siblings can play together, strengthening family bonds.
• Advocacy for accessibility: Building all-abilities playgrounds raises awareness about the importance of accessibility in public spaces. This can lead to broader conversations about inclusivity and drive positive changes in other areas of the community as well.
• Future growth and independence: By providing opportunities for children with disabilities to explore and navigate different types of equipment, these playgrounds can contribute to their growth, development, and eventual independence.

For more information on the playground, visit https://ofallonparksandrec.com/.

This story was originally published November 2, 2023 at 9:21 AM.