Melaina's Playland marks first year

Joy and laughter filled Melaina's Magical Playland on Saturday at Cape County Park North. The all-ability-accessible playground celebrated its anniversary with an event for all families.

In addition to swings, slides and other features of the playground, children had a chance to enjoy special appearances by Spider-Man and Disney's "Frozen" character Elsa. Southeast Missourian mascot Tracker the dog also was there to entertain, with other activities such as face painting, balloon animals and music.

Melaina's Magical Playland opened a year ago, thanks to an initiative by Jeff and Andrea Cunningham.

It was designed as an area where children of all ability levels could play. The Cunningham's daughter, Melaina, was born with special needs in 2005. As she grew, her parents realized she could not enjoy regular playgrounds as much as other children.

Andrea Cunningham said they got the idea of an all-inclusive and accessible playground so there could be a place where children could play together, no matter abilities.

They received support from the community and started raising money in 2009, the same year Melaina died of complications from her disease.

"And here we are five years later," Andrea Cunningham said.

Cape Girardeau County donated the land, and Cunningham said it turned out to be the perfect location for a playground.

"It's a central location, it's right off the highway, it's easy to find and just had a great feel to it," she said.

Her husband, Jeff, said since its opening, the playground has been packed.

"To me, the fact that it is always crowded shows how much people appreciate what was built out here, and I think it's filling a need," he said.

Among the features of the playground are swings with a special support for children with muscle problems, sensory structures for children with visual impairment or autism, wide ramps and regular swings so there can be something for everyone.

The celebration gathered children with and without disabilities. Jeff Cunningham said that was the whole idea behind the playground.

The Cunninghams said they still are raising money that would allow them to expand the playground.