A Perfect Playground - Local News

A Perfect Playground

By Holly Carlini.

A North Platte child can't wait to go back to school and try out the playground equipment at his elementary school.

At 4 schools, new playground equipment is specially designed to accommodate all kids, even those with physical disabilities and challenges.

Nicolas Garcia is already thinking about the day he can play on this newly installed equipment at Eisenhower Elementary School...

Nicolas Garcia, says, "I can drive up it

Vincent Garcia, Nicolas's Dad, says, "Yes you can drive up it!"

Driving up to and playing on the school playground equipment will be new to Nicolas because he's been in a wheelchair all of his life...

Vincent Garcia says, "He was diagnosed at 3 weeks with a form of cerebral Palsy called Periventricular leukomalacia or PVL, which is cysts on his brain that affects his motor skills, some things he can do and some things he cannot."

Now he will be able to enjoy recess because the new playground equipment, which is designed to meet the needs of children with special needs or physical disabilities.

Vincent says, "For the most part he would sit on the concrete and watch because of the access. When we drove up he was so excited to see this...he can't wait to jump on the swing...it's what he loves."

The ADA approved playground, which was paid for entirely by stimulus funds and grants, has protective surfacing, and wheelchair accessible pathways.

The equipment is also connected and laid out to meet the developmental needs of all children.

Diane Livingston, Occupational Therapist & Tech Coor NPPS, says, "Each large piece of equipment has ramps to take them to the equipment, the isles are wide enough for wheelchairs and adults if they need that help and slides have transfer stations and so most kids have never been able to go independently down the slide before."

And once the playground is finished Nicolas will be able to do what he loves... join his friends and his twin sister on the playground.

Vincent says, "You can now play with Marissa for once!"

Nicolas says, "Yeah and friends when they're here."

With the help of grants and matching funds the NPPS district will place playgrounds in four area schools.

Livingston says, "Eisenhower, Cody, Washington and Jefferson and it's a great opportunity for kids to play together."

$400,000 in ARRA Special Education funds and matching Childhood Obesity Grants funded all playground equipment, which the Garcia's say is an opportunity for all kids to play together for year to come.

Vincent says, "It's good to know that once he's gone, the equipment will be here for another child."

Attached Files: NPPS Playground Equipment.jpg

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