As every little girl or boy has dreams of playing with other children on a playground, for many their dreams have been taken away! However, in Knoxville, Tennessee that is no longer the case!
Since 1999, Ashley Nicole Manes' (a paralyzed then-4 year old) dream had been to be able to play along with her sister or other children while they are at the local playground.& Because of her mother, relatives, and friends her dream is coming true, little by little!
In June 2005, the Ashley Nicole Dream Playground was opened; which is the first playground in Knoxville to be 100 percent wheel chair accessible; and it is also named after Ashley Nicole Manes. Not only is the playground accessible to the handicapped, but it is also got the award for being the best facility (2005 Tennessee Recreation and Parks Association's Best Facility Award).
At the playground, there are many things that the children can do and play with. In fact, the playground is also set up for the children that use adaptive mobility devices such as walkers, crutches, and wheelchairs. The surface of the playground is nothing but rubber (it is the safest thing for children to play on).
The playground itself consists of three different play areas or structures; the playhouse, a ship, and also a fort. In the future, it is hoped that there will be a raceway area, gardens, and swings to be added; however, there is not enough funds for those additions-yet!
If you have a child that is disable or would like to send money to the playground, it would be great either way! The playground is for everyone!!
