Perryville residents embark on noble cause for all-inclusive playground

One of the best park amenities in all of Cape Girardeau County is Melaina's Magical Playland.

It's not great just because it's an impressive place for kids to play, but because it was designed for every child, especially for those who have physical limitations. They can play, too, alongside their peers.

Another such playground is in the works in Perryville, where activists are raising funds to help create a place for physically challenged children to play. A special event was held Sept. 2 to add to the $80,000 that had been collected so far.

"My son was at school and he noticed this kid in his class in a wheelchair who chose a lot of times to stay inside," Jennifer Fritsche told reporter Joshua Hartwig. "My son took it upon himself to start pressuring his principal and all kinds of people at school that it wasn't fair that his friend couldn't play outside like they did."

The plan is to build the playground at Robert J. Miget Memorial Park.

According to Fritsche, all-inclusive playgrounds are built for "all children, especially those with disabilities," offering "parallel play," which she said allows for interactive play, not dependent on each child's ability.

A conceptual design for the future all-inclusive playground to be constructed in Robert J. Miget Memorial Park at 110 S. French Lane in Perryville, Missouri.

More details can be found at the Lucas and Friends Backyard Adventures Facebook page.

We applaud the organizers for thinking beyond themselves and looking out for the interests of others, especially children who have developmental challenges. That communities reach into their pockets to help "the least of these" demonstrate their collective character and compassion.