Fundraising Begins for Universal Access Playground for Everyone

Published July 28, 2015.

The Park District of Elmhurst plans to raise $200,000 to create a universal access, barrier-free Playground for Everyone in Butterfield Park.

The district has budgeted almost $350,000 to replace the playground in 2016, and fundraising has begun to encourage community groups and individuals to donate toward the additional $200,000 goal, according to the district.

The Playground for Everyone would be one of only a few accessible playgrounds in the area, drawing families in other communities to Elmhurst.

The Kiwanis Club of Elmhurst is recognized as the first founding partner of the Playground for Everyone project, with a $30,000 donation to The People for Elmhurst Parks Foundation, the district reported. A ceremony was held July 28 in the Board Room at the Elmhurst Park District Offices.

A donation of $20,000 designates a founding partner, $10,000 is a presenting partner and $5,000 makes a supporting partner, according to the project website.

Partnerships come with opportunities for naming rights, promotions, recognition or sponsorship of playground equipment or planned events. A playground dedication plaque with names and logos of all partners will be displayed at the playground.

For more information, contact Ginger Wade at (630) 993-8923 or email gwade@epd.org.

Photos provided by the Elmhurst Park District.

Photo 1, from left to right: Emmylou Feliciano, Treasurer; Jim Williams, Division 9 Lt. Governor; Angela Villegas, President Elect; Pete Goworowski, President of The People for Elmhurst Parks Foundation; Anne Quigley, Immediate Past President; Ted Barnhart, President.

Photo 2: a similar playground at Riverside Park in Iola, Kansas