Inclusive Playground a Community Effort

Lisle, IL – Lisle Park District is preparing to break ground on the new Community Park Playground, Discovery Playground: Opportunities Without Boundaries, an endeavor that would not be possible without the help and support of the Lisle community and businesses.

It has been a team effort to bring an all-inclusive playground to Lisle Park District, which is expected to begin construction in Community Park (1825 Short St., Lisle) this fall. The idea began with Lisle Park District Director Dan Garvy, who also serves as president of SEASPAR’s Board of Directors, which led to discussions with Little Tikes representative Paul Gozder, who was able to connect the park district with the nonprofit, Unlimited Play. Matt Corso and Greg Pavesich from SEASPAR, Lisle resident Sharon Helderle, as well as a team of park district employees and support from the Lisle Park District Board of Commissioners have also been involved in the project.

A few months into the process, Lisle Park District resident Jill Magsam Zmaczynski emailed the park district with an inquiry about making new playgrounds more accessible, prompting Director Garvy to invite her to join the project. As a mother to a 3-year-old with a rare, genetic neuromuscular condition called Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Jill has a very personal connection to the cause. “Playgrounds are supposed to be a joyful, fun place. When we go to a playground, [my daughter] looks for one or two pieces of equipment she can sit on,” Jill explained. “Her opportunities for interaction are limited, especially with me constantly by her side spotting her or moving her around.”

Jill and her family are looking forward to a playground that will allow both her children to play side-by-side, right in her community; one that will benefit every adult and child, regardless of ability. She noted, “For a lot of people, inclusivity is something other people need. The reason playgrounds are the way they are is that they work for the majority. Making a playground inclusive doesn’t make it less appealing or functional for people who don’t need those inclusive aspects...the unique aspects make it more appealing for everyone.” Discovery Playground will create new opportunities for all children to connect, learn, and grow in a safe environment.

Discovery Playground is set to break ground in September 2019. Lisle Partners for Parks Foundation is currently raising money to help offset the cost of the project. To make a donation and learn more about the fundraiser, please visit their website at lislepartnersforparks.org, or head to our website to learn more about the project at lisleparkdistrict.org.

The Lisle Park District provides a variety of leisure activities for people of all ages throughout the year. Park district facilities include Lisle Community Park; the Recreation Center which houses Gentle Learning Preschool, SEASPAR, the Senior Center, and multipurpose rooms; Sea Lion Aquatic Park; River Bend Golf Course; Wheatstack – A Midwestern Eatery & Tap and numerous neighborhood playgrounds and parks offering amenities such as tennis courts, ball fields, walking paths and picnic areas totaling close to 400 acres. It is the mission of the Lisle Park District to enrich the quality of life for people of all ages by providing constructive and creative leisure opportunities. For more information about the Lisle Park District, please call 630-964-3410 or visit lisleparkdistrict.org.