Variety Selects Designer for All-Inclusive Playground Honoring Ashley Okland

A news release from Variety – the Children's Charity of Iowa:

Variety – the Children’s Charity of Iowa is planning to begin work on a community project that will benefit children with cognitive and physical disabilities and memorialize past board member Ashley Okland, an Iowa Realty agent who who was shot and killed in April 2011 at a West Des Moines model home she was showing.

The Ashley Okland Star Playground will be an all-inclusive playground located within Ewing Parkon the southeast side of Des Moines.

Des Moines Park and Recreation is responsible for 72 park locations, but none of the existing locations has the adaptations for children with special needs this new project will provide. 

The Ashley Okland Star Playground will cater to special needs children by featuring adapted playground equipment; however, the playground will be built for people of all ages and abilities, which is critical for healthy physical activity and learning together. 

Variety has selected Cunningham Recreation, a Charlotte, N.C.-based company specialized in all-inclusive playgrounds nationwide, as its partner for the project.

“Ashley was a person who energetically enjoyed living life to its fullest and was happiest when others were doing the same. It is our hope the Star Playground will allow her spirit and energy to live on through the children who play there,” said Sheri McMichael, executive director for Variety – the Children’s Charity.

Variety will present final plans to the Des Moines City Council on Monday(Sept. 9). Pending approval, Variety will launch its fundraising campaign immediately and is seeking both financial contributions as well as in-kind support. Variety is proud to announce the Downtown Kiwanis and Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield have already confirmed their support. Anyone interested in supporting the Ashley Okland Star Playground can visitvarietyiowa.com, email ashleyoklandstarplayground@gmail.com or call Variety – the Children’s Charity at (515) 243-4660.