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Play to begin Oct. 31

Kelly McDonough Abington Journal Correspondent

SOUTH ABINGTON TWP. - Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation for Lackawanna County Bill Davis is animated when he talks about the Abingtons new Boundless Playground that is set to open October 31. “The playground breaks barriers and gets kids with or without disabilities together, and it gets kids active – all kids active. Thirty percent of children nationwide have some form of obesity and one in ten children nationally have some type of disability,” Davis explained. “The Abingtons Boundless Playground will take care of a great need and more playgrounds are planned for next year.”

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The Boundless Playground in progress.

Submitted Photo

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Lackawanna County officials gather for the opening of a Boundless Playground at Abington Area Community Park. From left, Commissioner Michael Washo, Lackawanna County Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation William Davis, and Commissioner Corey O’Brien.

Abington Journal/Gerard Hetman

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Davis said that the Boundless Playgrounds program including McHale Park in Dunmore and McDade Park in Scranton is part of one of the largest Boundless programs in the country and that next year an unprecedented three more will be added. The locations have yet to be selected, but $1 million in grant money has been earmarked for the projects.

The Boundless Playground initiative is spearheaded by Lackawanna County majority Commissioners Michael J. Washo and Corey D. O’Brien. No tax dollars were used in funding this project. Rather, money came through grants from the landfill trust and the county’s share of the state gaming money. “For the first time, a child confined to a wheelchair will be able to play on the same playground as a sibling or a neighbor, and they will realize that they are no different from one another, despite the disability,” Commissioner Corey D. O’Brien said. “It’s one step toward erasing misconceptions and bringing children together.” Commissioner Michael J. Washo added, “With the Abington Boundless Playground, and our two other Boundless Playgrounds at McDade Park and at McHale Park in Dunmore, we have established new benchmark for recreation in Northeastern Pennsylvania that focuses on providing play opportunities for children of all abilities and needs.”

Davis said what makes Boundless Playgrounds unique is that 80 percent of the equipment has to be usable for a child with a disability and that the highest point on the playground is accessible to a child with a wheelchair. Another difference is that it’s really inclusive – it’s meant for all children. The main idea behind the playgrounds is that it gets children with disabilities and without disabilities interacting with each other.

Chief Executive Officer for Boundless Playgrounds, Inc. Frederick A. Leone offered a quote from a director of a special needs school in Macon, Ga. The playground opened fairly recently. “The playground is even more wonderful that I could ever have imagined in my wildest dreams. The children are so excited. One of our little autistic boys said a whole sentence “Look it the playground.” We were amazed because he never says whole sentences. I think the children have gotten enjoyment out of watching the process evolve. They have no expectations so every day is like a trip to Disney World. We have used the equipment as a new way to introduce transportation…” As Lackawanna County’s consultant to all three of the Boundless Playgrounds, Leone feels certain this is the type of reaction to be expected from parents and children utilizing the three local playgrounds. For more information on Boundless Playgrounds visit www.boundlessplaygrounds.org.