A Facebook post by La Center mother Haley Atwood quickly turned into a “spring into action” for the La Center community.
Atwood, a mother of soon-to-be 6-year-old Charlotte, who has limb differences, stated that Charlotte has outgrown the baby swings and was wondering who to contact about having an ADA swing installed at La Center’s Holley Park in her April Facebook post. On Friday, June 13, the wish was granted as a ribbon-cutting ceremony gave way to Charlotte happily enjoying the brand-new ADA swing at Holley Park.
“Being able to have her included really means the world to me,” Atwood said. “I don’t think enough light is shined on children with limb differences and their hardships in this world. Nothing is made for them. Everything has to be modified, and it’s just so hard to be able to just go somewhere without extensive planning and bring our own adaptive equipment to get into the playground. To be able to use the swing, to be able to go down the slide, all require adaptive equipment, and this is just one huge step for La Center to be a part of the adaptive community.”
Atwood was thankful for the quick support of the idea from her initial Facebook post and thanked everyone involved with the Lions Club and City staff.
“I’m so excited that I live here and that I can continue to support and advocate for the continued cultivation of the adaptive and inclusive community,” Atwood said.
The La Center Lions Club sponsored the swing for Charlotte and other children with disabilities with a $1,500 donation. The city’s costs were minimal, including materials and associated expenses, Public Works Director Tracy Coleman said.
