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Parkesburg Action Committee
Parkesburg is building a community where Everybody Plays!
By Sara-Jane Rice
When tasked with choosing a service project for her term as Lions Club District Governor of District 14-P, encompassing Chester and Berks counties, Chrissy Smaltz decided to shoot for the stars. While past District Governors held supply drives, donation drives for a scholarship to Beacon Lodge, the Lion’s camp program for the blind, and many more wonderful projects, DG Smaltz wanted to do more and pledged to raise the funds to build a fully handicap accessible and inclusive playspace. She asked her home club, the Parkesburg Lions, who have always emphasized the community in community service, to help and the Everybody Plays! Project was born.
Everybody Plays! will start by remodeling the playground space at Minch Park in Parkesburg to create an accessible, inclusive space with something for every child of every ability level. Numerous items will be wheelchair accessible. Play panels will be available in both braille and ASL. The playground will feature several sensory play items with multiple types of sensory input for children with sensory differences, such as those with Autism. Selection and placement of items will be both
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inclusive and integrated - handicap accessible equipment will not be placed apart from the standard playground items. In a school district where more than 18% of students have an IEP, an inclusive play space is a must. The Everybody Plays! Project aims to create outdoor recreation spaces for every person of every age and ability level and to bring the community together without barriers. A strong community is an involved community.
The first major fundraiser for Everybody Plays! will be a community festival on October 29, 2022 at Minch Park in conjunction with the Parkesburg Halloween Parade and Trunk-orTreat. There will be vendors from local and regional businesses, food trucks from all over the area, live entertainment, raffles, silent auctions, contests, children’s games and more! Admission is free to the public and all vendor fees, donations, and proceeds will benefit the Everybody Plays! Project. Not only does the Everybody Plays! Festival present a significant fundraising opportunity, it also promotes the ideals the Everybody Plays! Project is looking to promote - inclusivity, community, and fun!
If you or someone you know is interested in participating or helping, you can reach the committee at EverybodyPlays19365@gmail.com or find us on Facebook and follow Everybody Plays!
CCABVI Chester County Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired
A 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation We provide practical assistance to people with vision impairment 610-384-2767
71 South First Avenue, Coatesville, PA 19320 Workshop/Office entrance is across the street from City Hall
Monday thru Thursday 8:00 to 3:00 and Friday by appointment only
