It Takes a Lot of Heart to Build a Playground

How do you measure the heart of a community? Just come out and join the families playing on one of two all inclusive playgrounds built in Hanover County, Virginia. Operation Hope Playgrounds dream of meeting the leisure needs of individuals with disabilities became a valuable, life changing reality with the completion of the first phase construction in 2008. Many individuals, companies, and civic organizations have supported this effort and for their investment of money and resources we are grateful. The Mechanicsville and Hanover Rotary Clubs provided not only a commitment to help fund these playgrounds but provided the manual labor required to construct the equipment. Led by, Tim Amos, volunteer project supervisor, these Rotarians spent many weekends in “all kinds” of weather to make sure children with disabilities could play along side of their peers. The rubberized surface, ramp access to play platforms, ground level play equipment and adaptive swings allow access for children and adults in wheelchairs who would typically only be spectators. These playgrounds located at Pole Green Park in Mechanicsville and Poor Farm Park in Ashland are maintained by Hanover County Parks and Recreation Department and have accessible parking. Kudos to the individual and collective hearts in Hanover County for your cooperative efforts and concern for all. For more information on how to get involved with this project contact Dana Nelson at 550-2280.