Harper's Playground Seeks Funding To Complete Inclusive Playground (Photo) -02/24/23
Vancouver, Wash. – Nonprofit Harper’s Playground, in partnership with the City of Vancouver and local firms Pence Contractors and AKS Engineering, is honored to lead the design and building of the new Chelsea Anderson Memorial Play Station (CHAMPS) at Marshall Park, which is currently under construction. The organization’s largest project to date, CHAMPS @ Marshall Park broke ground on July 11, 2022, at a community ceremony and will be Vancouver, Washington’s first inclusive playground.
“We are thrilled with the support we have received from the community thus far, and we look forward to the final funding coming in the form of personalized bricks and pavers. We can’t wait to see the smiles on everyone’s faces as they locate their names and messages within the playground,” said Harper’s Playground Co-Founder and Chief Play Officer G Cody QJ Goldberg.
The 53,143 square feet/1.22-acre play space is slated to open spring of 2023, pending full funding, and addresses the City’s need for accessible, public, outdoor play spaces. The re-envisioned playground will retain the Chelsea Anderson Memorial and honor and expand upon the fire department theme throughout.
Explorable and accessible play areas will meet the social, emotional and physical needs of people of all ages and abilities. Wheelchair accessible equipment, including the following elements, will foster intergenerational exchange and collaboration among diverse abilities:
- Washington’s first wheelchair swing
- An integration carousel, or merry go round
- An elevated sand area
- The largest “Harper’s Hill” ever built with seating at the top and 360° views
- A bonafide fire engine with original interactive levers and buttons to play with
- A log fort and “Mobius Climber,” plus swings, musical instruments, and winding paths
- Custom bronze art featuring animals such as turtles and beavers
The nonprofit continues to fundraise to close the gap before year-end and seeks community support in the form of purchasing a recognition brick or paver. Visit www.harpersplayground.org/playgrounds/marshall-park to make your name (person, organization, or business) or message a permanent part of the park. Or, this holiday season, honor a loved one by immortalizing their name or an inspirational quote.
Incorporated in 2012, Harper’s Playground, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit based in Portland, Oregon, which inspires vital communities by creating inviting playgrounds for people of ALL abilities. Founded in 2010 by local parents on a mission to create a more equitable world for their daughters, one of whom uses wheels to get around, the organization designed, funded, and built the original Harper’s Playground at Arbor Lodge Park in Portland, Ore.—the first inclusive, nature-infused play space in the region, now celebrating its tenth anniversary. Harper’s Playground has inspired, empowered, consulted or partnered to design and build playgrounds globally, including in Tokyo, Japan. For more information, visit harpersplayground.org.
