On April 27th at the Moonlight Walk Against Drugs, Joe Chesko witnessed a child in a wheelchair sitting on the sidelines at the Playground in the Park. This child was left with only the ability to watch friends and siblings laugh and play, at that moment a need for change was identified. After a brief Google search, Joe discovered playground equipment made specifically for children with limited mobility and developmental delays. Joe’s discovery lead to a vision of wheelchair swings and handicap accessible merry-go-rounds.
With the help of Heather Harper of Heartland Play and Recreation, Joe’s original vision has evolved into the creation of an entire space devoted to promoting meaningful, healthy play opportunities for all children regardless of their ability to stand on two feet.
To make an inclusive playground a reality, the Children United Committee was created with the mission to provide children of all developmental stages and ranges of mobility the ability to be physically and socially active through play and recreation. Children United will be partnering with the Lawton Enhancement Trust Authority to host a series of fundraisers.
The first fundraiser will be the first annual Lawton version of Dancing with the Stars on April 13th, 2019 at the Apache Casino Hotel.
Our fundraising goal is $500,000.