EAST MOLINE, Illinois - A Quad City school is working hard tonight to find a way to pay for a unique playground for its students.
Black Hawk Special Education Center has raised a third of the money it needs for equipment that better serves its disabled students.
Building a better school often means more than good books and solid buildings and one local school says no child should be blocked from the ability to play.
That’s why the center is working to give children with all abilities the ability to play.
The possibility a new playground coming to the center has students like Mickela Holland hopeful for its arrival.
“I’m thinking of the swings,” says Mickela.
While the school's new all ability playground is only an idea right now, students and staff are trying to raise money to make it a reality.
“The current playground we have doesn't fully support everyone's needs,” says Lindsey Prunty, special education teacher at Black Hawk Area Education Center.
“The cars and and seated toys just aren't accessible,” added Christan Schrader, Director.
To include all abilities, the current playground would become an outside learning area. Behind it is where the new playground would be built with wheel chair access and ramps, along with safer features.
“The flooring for the playground is a huge part of it all since it's padded the students won’t hurt themselves if they fall,” added Schrader.
Right now… the school is falling short of its goal. Since August, $65,000 has been raised. About a third of the $255,000 dollars needed.
“We've been fortunate and very blessed to receive the money that we have,” says Marcia Lintz, Fundraising Chair.
If the school reaches its goal, the playground would be the first of its kind at the center.
“It would mean the world. The students love going outside as it is so to have that would be amazing,” says Prunty.
Inside the school all eyes are on the final prize.
“As we reach our goals along the side there, $20,000 and $30,000, the strips will be peeled back to show the playground in color,” added Lintz.
Unveiling a new playground to give all abilities the ability to play.
Since August, $65,000 has been raised, about a third of the $225,000 needed. To help donate to the school's playground, click here.