Fair Play
Local group is dedicated to building a playground for children of all abilities BY JULIE SIMMONS • PHOTO BY KATRIN BELL
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ernandina Beach’s 11-year-old Sarah Harding is wheelchairbound. When Sarah goes to the park, she sits in the sun and watches, or—even worse—she doesn’t go at all because the property is not conducive to her wheelchair, and her mom cannot lift her to play on the equipment. “I don’t think it’s fair for anyone to be left out, and that is why I am committed to the playground project,” explains Amelia Island’s Aaron Morgan, chairman of 8 Flags Playscapes, Inc., and a father of two. “8 Flags Playscapes’ mission is to create and maintain a community-accessible playground that integrates exercise, art, nature, music, imagination, and local history for children of all abilities, including those with visual impairments.” Today, there are approximately 200 children in Nassau County who cannot access outdoor parks because of their disabilities, and this doesn’t include the numerous disabled
adults who would love to participate with the children. “The neat thing about this playground is that it will be built above the limits of ADA guidelines,” says board member Trey Warren. “This means that playground surfaces will be accessible to both adults and children using their means of mobility. Grandparents will be able to play with their grandchildren.” 8 Flags Playscapes, Inc. recently became incorporated and is a tax-exempt, not-for-profit organization. To date, over $30,000 has been raised to build the playground and over $10,000 of in-kind donations have been received. The City of Fernandina Beach is in full support and presented a letter in early 2012 confirming that the project may use the three-quarters of an acre of land behind the Atlantic Avenue Recreation Center. “It is such a beautiful piece of property,” says volunteer Melissa Morgan. “The large oak trees provide a canopy of shade, it is situated at the entrance to the Egans Creek Greenway, and there are bathrooms! We are very grateful for the city’s support.” The design of the playground is not only accessible for people of all abilities, but it is created to be representative of the local history and traditions. “It’s a really fun design,” says volunteer Inga Warren. “It presents a large shrimp boat, lots of nature, a bird’s nest, a fort, a stage, and educational totem poles.” For children with visual impairments, the play space incorporates music, sand water for tactile exploration, vibrant signage, including Braille, and landscaping with fragrant plants to appeal to the sense of smell as the seasons change. “The playground is so much more than a traditional playground. Children will have a new experience each visit,” explains board member Sharyl Wood. “Additionally, it’s important for all children to learn to include others, regardless of their characteristics or abilities, and the playground will facilitate this practice.” 8 Flags Playscapes, Inc. is especially grateful to Architect Ted Kempton, Builders Care Nassau County, Gillette & Associates, Inc., and John E. Myers for their generous in-kind donations. The group is actively pursuing grants, but they still need help to raise the additional $200,000 necessary to complete the project in 2013. Any donations of time or resources are greatly appreciated. Sarah and many other children are waiting for a playground that will give them a fair chance to play. If you are interested in participating financially or in-kind, or if you have other questions or ideas, please contact Aaron Morgan, at aaronmorgan4@gmail.com or 904-335-7253, or go to www.8flagsplayscapes.org.
27 AMELIA ISLANDER MAGAZINE • AUGUST 2012
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