Fun for all – Kiwanis, MOMs nearer to special needs playground

Just over two months ago, the Iola Kiwanis, along with Mothers of Miracles, were awarded $25,000 to aid in the construction of a special needs access playground. Though the project has blossomed into more than they could’ve hoped for, challenges remain.
The grant is through Kiwanis’ “Make a Difference Through Play” program in partnership with Landscape Structures. Equipment for the special needs access playground is “not cheap,” said Mike Ford, a member of the Kiwanis.
The two groups have raised just over $60,000 through donations and grants, which is less than halfway to their goal of $155,000. Both the MOMs and Kiwanis members are surprised at how quickly things have gotten off the ground.
“I think we are doing pretty well,” Ford said. “Considering we haven’t even really started fundraising yet.”
Contributors to the fund thus far include Iola Kiwanis, Iola Senior Citizens, Inc., Modern Woodmen, Iola Vision Source and Monarch Cement.
Iola has contributed $25,000 to their cause and Walmart has pledged $5,000 as part of its “Volunteerism Always Pays” program, which will include 250 hours of employee volunteer work.
A few more grants are in the works, which they hope to have in their fund by December. The playground must be installed by May 1, 2014, with construction underway by Kiwanis One Day (the first Saturday in April).

THE MOMS saw a need for the playground in Iola, which can serve special needs children throughout Allen County and beyond. LeAnn Church, a MOMs member, said the equipment will be “inclusive,” meaning children with and without disabilities can enjoy it.
“I don’t care what kind of kid you are,” Kiwanis member Nancy Ford said. “It’s going to be fun.”
Church said she is personally looking forward to bringing her children to the playground, which has received extensive planning already from Landscape Structures’ designer Matt Cline, who presented the digital playground designs.
John Shields, lieutenant governor for Kiwanis Division 3, said the MOMs and Iola Kiwanis groups were mentioned in the Kiwanis International magazine, as well as in the Kansas regional meeting.
“We are going to need community interest,” Shields said of the next step in the process. The groups are working to be approved for a 501(c)(3) certification, so donations will be recognized as tax-deductible.
Ford said the construction of the playground will be a community effort, and volunteer work will always be appreciated in addition to monetary support. From the support they have seen thus far, they don’t seem to be worried.
“We can do it,” he said.

For more information, or to donate/volunteer in the effort for the special needs-access playground, contact Mike Ford at the Iola Police Department (620)-365-4960. Donations may also be left at the Allen County Community Foundation.