Inclusive Play Park Organizers Turn to Public As Funding Dries Up
Fundraising efforts for the Queens Universally Designed Play Park have stalled because of the coronavirus.
The group behind the park celebrated a $100,000 contribution from the province last month, but since then, grants have dried up.
Chairperson of the fundraising committee Debbie Wamboldt, says the group had expected to get close to their goal after applying to a wide range of organizations who provide grants for projects like this.
“We began to get email and letters from funders saying because of COVID-19 we’re not funding for an indefinite amount of time. So, we were pretty devastated.”
The universally designed play park is built around the seven principles of design, which ensures the equipment and space is accessible to people of any ability or age.
The fundraising group is now looking to the public to help push them towards their $450,000 goal.
They’ve set up a GoFundMe to help cover the $150,000 they still need to make the park a reality.
Wamboldt says they understand times are hard for people right now.
“We’re not asking our community to fill that bucket. We’re looking for any help that we can get. You know, five dollars, we’re happy.”
Wamboldt says they will be pursuing more funding opportunities from the various levels of government once their programs open again in the fall.
While the COVID-19 pandemic has caused headaches for fundraising, Wamboldt is hopeful that having to abide by social distancing restrictions has given people an appreciation for the challenges the autistic and others face every day.
She says not being able to go where you want or take your children to a play park has opened people’s eyes to the struggle faced by people with special needs.
“Because of COVID, I think we’re all experiencing what that’s like. For people like myself, and our family, and people with disabilities and special needs, that’s everyday life.”
Wamboldt is grateful for the support shown by the community, sponsors and all levels of government to get their vision this far along in a short period of time.
She still hopes to break ground at the park by next spring in order to have it up and running by summer of 2021.
That timeline may be ambitious, but Wamboldt says she and her team are determined to see this through.
“I’ve said that since the beginning, I won’t give up until this park is a reality. So, you have to just evolve as things evolve and keep going and keep trying.”
Reported by Ed Halverson
E-mail: edhalversonnews@gmail.com
Twitter: @edwardhalverson