Supporters of playground on county land pitch idea to commission

Supporters of an all-accessible playground in Cape Girardeau County made their case for using park land during the county commission's meeting Monday.

Andrea Cunningham, who has been a driving force behind the project, said she has yet to find such a playground closer than Zachary's Playground in St. Louis, which would be the model for the local playground.

"The equipment is basic playground equipment but made to accommodate children with disabilities with the ramps and different sensory components," Cunningham said. "It's something kids with and without disabilities can be drawn to."

Submitted image An artist's rendering of an all-accessible playground.

The playground would cost up to $500,000 -- between $225,000 and $250,000 for equipment, $150,000 for a special, softer playground surface, and between $50,000 and $100,000 for labor, installation and grading. The cost will be funded by donations and grants.

Rep. Scott Lipke, who joined Cunningham in the presentation during the meeting, said the formation of a 501(c)3 organization to handle donations and operations of the park should be complete by early October. After that happens a committee of six people would then make presentations to other potential donors. So far about $10,000 has been raised.

"This playground I'm referring to in St. Louis is something kids talk about wanting to visit," she said. "They don't see it as a handicapped playground but a place where everyone can play. My hope is once it's built and these kids that have disabilities are able to have a place to play, it will be more of an education for acceptance of everyone and their differences."

Cunningham said the playground's completion would fulfill a dream of having a place for people of all abilities to play side by side. She and her husband, Jeff, lost their 3-year-old daughter, Melaina, from complications of pneumonia earlier this year. Melaina had suffered from nemaline myopathy, a disease that causes a low muscle tone.

Before the county will approve county land being used for the playground, the board of park commissioners must approve it.

Second District Commissioner Jay Purcell said the issue will be on the agenda at the board's next meeting.

Purcell said he and available park commissioners plan to visit Zachary's Playground today.

"I can't imagine many people not being in support of it," Purcell said. "It's just a matter of funding and the timeline. I'm really excited."

First District Commissioner Paul Koeper expressed gratitude for the efforts of all involved with the project.

"I appreciate all you've done to see fit other children have this opportunity," Koeper said. "I'm troubled when people have a tendency to think you're doing this just for Melaina or just those children. I think that's sad.

"Anything we can do in my opinion I'm very open to it and will jump on board," Koeper said.

United Way donations

Earlier in the meeting the commission approved a motion for county employees to voluntarily donate some of their salary to the United Way of Southeast Missouri. One-hundred and thirty other companies and entities throughout the area already participate in that particular program, which allows employees to deduct a portion of each paycheck to the United Way. The money is then funneled among the 58 programs operated by 48 not-for-profit organizations.

County Treasurer Roger Hudson said the issue of solicitation by area charities had been raised in the past.

"Are you going to allow one charity or 20 to come in here?" Hudson asked. "What if I have a cause that I believe in and want to raise money for? I'm just relaying this issue that has been talked about in the past."

Both commissioners present, Purcell and Koeper, had no objections to the motion. Presiding Commissioner Gerald Jones was absent.

"This is a good tool," Purcell said. "The employees can choose not to give. It's totally voluntary."

bblackwell@semissourian.com

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