Letters to the editor
By Staff
SNAP project inspires
Editor:
SNAP has two primary goals: (1) To serve the estimated 1700 special needs children in Morgan County and (2) To serve as an example to encourage others to recognize and serve special needs children.The first goal is being visibly accomplished with completion last year of the Phase 1 special swing area. The second phase, a 1900 sq. ft. splash pad with 26 individual, accessible and usable, items of equipment is planned to be completed for use next summer. Construction of the third and final phase, the main 9400 sq. ft. playground with ramps, raised platforms and 35 individual, accessible and usable, items of equipment remains dependent on future fundraising. The entire complex when completed will indeed be a model in the state.
Equally important, though relatively inconspicious, is the second goal to inspire others across the region and the nation to recognize and provide play accommodations for special needs children. The SNAP web site, www.snapplayground.org, developed in 2007 has proven to be a major enabler in achieving this goal. As a result of the web site, widespread, numerous and continual inquiries and requests for information about the genesis of SNAP and the approach and organization for accomplishment have been received during the past two years.
A prime example of this is the most recent letter received from Cathey Bugg, Principal of Cross Timbers Elementary School in Edmond, OK., and Marilyn Dugger, volunteer chairperson of the school’s special needs project. I congratulate Bugg, Dugger and all others involved in Edmond on their initiative.Their letter follows:
October 23, 2009
Mr. Bob Francis
SNAP Playground
P. O. Box 512
Hartselle, AL 35640
Dear Mr. Francis:
This letter is to express our gratitude to the Special Needs Accessible Playground of Morgan County Project committee for your hard work in making the John Mark Stallings SNAP playground a reality. Your playground has served as an inspiration to those of us at Cross Timbers Elementary School in Edmond, OK, who also had a dream of providing a boundless playground for our physically challenged children.
It was over a year ago that about 45 parents, administrators, therapists, teachers, students, business leaders and neighborhood developers came together to develop a strategic plan for Cross Timbers Elementary under the guidance of Brian Dougherty of the Oklahoma City Community Foundation. At the heart of that plan was a desire to provide a playground that would be universally accessible for all children regardless of physical abilities or limitations. We named our project, “Play ‘Dough’ for Kids” and immediately started looking for other playgrounds that we could use as a model to guide us in the designing and planning of our new boundless playground. Marilyn found your website and it became a source of encouragement and inspiration as we looked for ways to make our dream a reality.
Now, one year later, our prayers have been answered and our new playground has been ordered. Financing has generously been provided by a grant from the Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation with additional support from local Wal-Mart and Sam’s stores, as well as parents and school supporters. We anticipate construction to begin sometime early in November with an opening in December.
You may have not anticipated that your hard work would reach as far as Edmond, OK., but it certainly has. We are so happy to join with you in recognizing the courage of all little children who face physical challenges and celebrating the joy of seeing their smiles as they are given a place where they can enter into the wonderful world of childhood play.
Cathey Bugg
Principal
Cross Timbers Elementary
Marilyn Dugger
Project Chairman
Express your thoughts in a Letter to the Editor. Send your thoughts to P.O. Box 929, Hartselle, AL 35640 or email to news@hartselleenquirer.com. Signed comments can be included as Letters to the Editor; unsigned ones in our E-Sound Off.
