Inclusive Play in Cherokee County

Cherokee County On a Mission for Inclusive Play

By: Victoria Babb, Cunningham Recreation Community Resource Manager – Play 4 ALL Campaign

Marcus Bradley, Cherokee Recreation District Director, had compelling presentation to both the Recreation Commission and always wanted to develop an inclusive play space for Cherokee County Council. Both unanimously agreed that if her nonprofit County. The higher cost for equipment and his limited budget organization raised the funds, they would provide the land for the prevented him from attaining the goal, until now. project and guarantee both maintenance and insurance once it is Local resident and “mom on a mission” Stephanie Hyleman was determined to bring an inclusive playground to Cherokee County, so all complete. “We told S.I.L.A.S. Steps that we’re on board and will do whatever we need to do to make this happen,” says Bradley, who is ecstatic that the project is moving forward. children can play together S.I.L.A.S. Steps and regardless of their limitations. Cherokee Recreation Hyleman did not realize the difference between an ADA compliant play space and a truly inclusive one until she brought her sons Silas and Asher to area playgrounds. One child was able to access the equipment, and the other one was left on the sidelines. Her oldest son, Silas, has Cerebral Palsy and was born without part of his arm. He was excluded from the fun. Mobility was a challenge for Silas and loose surfacing was not conducive for his walker. The climbers weren’t accessible either – they required him to get on elevated decks to access them, which District have partnered with Cunningham Recreation, GameTime and Play Core. The soon-to-be destination playground was thoughtfully designed to ensure not only access to the equipment, but the equitable notion that all belong here. Specialized sensory rich equipment, ramps, safety surfacing, shade, and other unique features are configured so people with varying abilities will have meaningful recreational experiences and reap the rewards of active play. Left: Silas and Asher Hyleman; Right: Silas and Stephanie Hyleman is something he could not do. Most notably, no child will be forced on the sidelines ever again. “We were overlooked,” explained Hyleman. “Again and again communities were installing play spaces that emphasized his This playground will also serve our veterans, aging population, and caregivers with challenges and limitations. limitations.” Cunningham Recreation’s Play 4 ALL Campaign is helping She heard the call to become the catalyst for change when her younger son, Asher, looked into her eyes and said “Mommy, I S.I.L.A.S. Steps implement a fund development plan and provide the tools necessary to engage philanthropic donors. want to play on a playground with Silas.” “Funds have been coming in from various sectors like local Hyleman founded a charitable organization called S.I.L.A.S Steps, which not only is her son’s name, but also represents what the organization stands for: Safety, Inclusion, Love, Accessibility businesses, private foundations and individuals,” says Hyleman. “Our goal is to open Hyleman’s Humble Playground in 2021. Every $1 counts.” and Socialization. She reached out to the Cherokee Recreation Learn more at www.silasstepsinc.com and District asking for their help. Bradley paved the way for a www.play4allcampaign.com partnership, inviting Hyleman to deliver her heartfelt story and

Most notably, no child will be forced on the sidelines ever again. This playground will also serve our Veterans, aging population, and caregivers with challenges and limitations.

Hyleman heard the call to become the catalyst for change when her younger son Asher looked into her eyes and said “Mommy, I want to play on a playground with Silas.”