By KAREN LAGRANGE COX
The Youngsville Lions Club (YLC) is working to create an inclusive playground in Youngsville. YLC hopes to have the playground named the “Youngsville Lions Den” Inclusive Playground/Park.
An inclusive playground provides a safe and fun environment for children with and without disabilities to play together, fostering all physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development.
The inclusive playground will be on land provided by the City of Youngsville at the Youngsville Sports Complex Expansion at Detente Road and Railroad Street. The inclusive playground equipment will be installed once the land is prepped and ready, depending on the weather and contractor.
The playground equipment has been ordered and shipped in batches as it is produced. It occupies around three trailers, each fifty feet long, and is transported by eighteen-wheelers. YLC has already received a few pieces of equipment, which are stored until the playground equipment is completed and shipped. Shannon Bares, the Secretary/Treasurer of the Youngsville Lions Club, advised all equipment is expected to arrive by the end of February 2024.
YLC has had fundraisers and received some donations, grants, and discounts on purchasing inclusive playground equipment.
According to Bares, the retail cost of the playground equipment alone was over $432,000.00. YLC was fortunate to take advantage of some grants and discounts for the project. After installation, foundation and fall zone, shipping, and taxes, the project cost will be over $640,000.00.
Seeking Sponsorships for Fall Area
YLC is actively seeking donors to sponsor the fall zone portion of the playground. A fall zone surrounds playground equipment where safety surfacing is necessary to help prevent injury. Options for the fall zone include a poured-in-place rubber surface or a more grasslike product like artificial turf. Both options are ASTM, CPSC, and IPEMA Certified for Fall Zones.
“Sponsorships could be an excellent opportunity for someone to donate to a wonderful project that caters to the needs of ALL children and proudly have their name attached to this project”, said Bares.
To inquire about a sponsorship, email youngsvillelions@yahool.com.
