GEORGETOWN, KY (Lex 18) – A one-of-a-kind playground in Scott County is about to get more improvements specifically meant to help handicapped and mobility challenged children.
It’s exciting news to many people, including 11-year-old Josh Divens who, because of Spina Bifida, can’t always enjoy playgrounds. The biggest issue he always faces is getting around on crutches or with his wheelchair.
Two years ago, community members set out to help kids like him. With the guidance of Kendyl and Friends, an organization out of Mercer County, they started raising money.
Josh took part in the pitch to City Council and even helped with fundraising.
“A year later, here we were with phase one, which included the nice surface for part of the playground,” described Caroline Fields, Josh’s physical trainer.
According to Fields, who also helped fundraise for the playground, there wasn’t enough money to put that surface everywhere. Mulch was chosen as a temporary option.
Now, a grant from the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet will help pay for an accessible surface all around. A timetable for the renovation is not set yet.
“It’s going to remove the barrier,” Fields said. “Kids with all mobility levels are going to be able to play together, siblings will be able to access the whole park.”
It’s the first of many more improvements Scott County Parks and Recreation has planned to make the park a more welcoming place for all children.
Of course, only if Josh approves.
“He’s been the one to perpetually keep asking when’s the next one? when’s the next one? so you can’t give up when you have someone with that kind of spirit,” Fields said.
“I can’t wait until this mulch goes away,” Josh said enthusiastically.
Parks and Rec is still accepting monetary donations as well as rock, asphalt, and fencing for the park.
You can donate at this link or email Kimberly Rice at krice@gscparks.com.
