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Operation Hope was established in 2004 by Dana Nelson and
Katie Stilwell, recognizing the need of many children in
our area to have a play area that they could share with
their friends and interact with other children. Because
of varied disabilities or special needs, they were truly
missing out.
But that will change if our hopes of raising funds to build
two new playgrounds in Hanover County are realized. With
the help of Resources for Independent Living Inc, serving
as the fiscal agent for Operation Hope, and the generosity
of many, we are getting closer to this reality. But we have
far to go.
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The cost of one handicap accessible playground can run
over $100,000. And we hope to build two! Our plans are to
build one playground in Mechanicsville, at Pole Green Park;
and one in Ashland, at Poor Farm Park!
We know these playgrounds can be very successful, as proven
with "Katie & Friends" in Chesterfield County.
Our county needs the same wonderful resource.
Please consider helping us make this dream a reality. You
will not only be helping thousands of special needs children,
but helping the entire community build a better understanding
and acceptance of all.
- To provide playgrounds that will maximize the development
of children, regardless of their age or ability.
- To comply with safety guidelines and provide safe access
to all areas of the playground.
- To educate the community on the need to promote understanding
and acceptance of others.
- To foster the development of social skills in children
that will last a lifetime.
- To provide a barrier-free environment where children,
parents, grandparents, and siblings can relax and interact.
- To provide playgrounds where physical therapists, occupational
therapists, speech and language therapists can utilize
a natural environment for sessions.
- To promote cognitive growth through imagination and
play; encourage hands-on mental and physical educational
experiences.
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