BEREA, Ky. (LEX 18) — Berea Community Elementary School has gained a grant to help build an all-inclusive playground, but they still need to raise over $70,000 to make it a reality. Unfortunately, they only have a week to do it.
Before COVID-19 hit, the plan was to build an additional playground next to their existing one. This one would be equipped with rubber-like cement, making it handicap accessible. It would also have other features like a special swing that's wheelchair friendly.
"This would give kids and even adults in our community that are differently-able an opportunity to enjoy themselves and feel like they are included," says Ashley Hammond who is a family engagement specialist and is part of the group spearheading the project.
Unfortunately, the project organizers are now up against a tight deadline. If they don't raise over $70,000 by February 12, they will lose their current grant. Brandi Davis is the school's physical education teacher and dreams of having a place where every kid can participate.
"I think on that day I would go to my principal and beg her to go to every recess, and I would have a bag of tissues with me because every time I watched them go out, I would cry because of the joy I would get from watching all our students in every grade level get to go and participate. I would be a blubbering mess, but it would be happy tears," says Davis.
To donate, you can Venmo @kendylandfriendsfoundation or do a PayPal search for Kendyl and Friends Foundation (they are asking donors to include BCES so they know where to apply the funds).
