The new adaptive playground at Cedar Bluff Preschool was dedicated May 21 in honor of Benjamin Willis, 9, a former student and inspiration.
The school celebrated with a party on the playground where students also enjoyed popsicles from Mayfield’s Dairy and games adapted for all-ability students sponsored by the Koinonia Foundation .
The playground was four years in the making. Early on the Cedar Bluff PTSA recognized the importance of providing an accessible playground for all students. Through donations from families and local businesses including Mesa Associates, the PTSA raised $10,000.
A student then, Ben who uses a wheelchair was excluded from playing on the playground simply because the structures weren’t accessible to him. Ben’s mother, Lindsay Willis is vice president of Human Resources at LHP Capital, a local real estate development firm. When officials there learned of the school’s great need for accessible play equipment, LHP Capital provided the remaining $20,000 to ensure the playground was built.
The preschool playground has an ADA wheelchair swing, three ADA inclusive swing sets and four ADA full bucket seat swings, allowing children of all abilities to experience the exhilaration and physical benefits of swinging. Studies show that swinging encourages brain development and helps kids meet development milestones and cultivate social skills.
