Community Foundation completes $3.2 million park unique to the region

LANSING, MICH. – The Community Foundation has announced the grand opening of Play Michigan!, the region’s first universally-accessible playground, on Saturday, September 16, 2023.

Play Michigan! is designed to meet the needs of children with physical, sensory, and developmental disabilities. The playground features wheelchair-accessible play equipment, specialty swings and ramps, sensory play areas, and other inclusive features, ensuring that children of all abilities can play side by side. The 10,000-square-foot playground is part of a 66,000-square-foot park, located at 500 W. Grand Avenue on the downtown Lansing riverfront. The park also includes a picnic deck, pavilion, and dedicated barrier-free parking. In addition, a wide boardwalk and dock allow every child to experience the waterfront. Feedback from the Autism community prompted the Foundation to add safety features to help prevent children from running to the water.

“As parents of children with disabilities, it can be so disheartening and such a struggle to find access to places and events that others attend without issue,” said parents Julia and Marlon Olivas. “We are so excited and grateful for such a beautiful, sensory-friendly playground that is so well thought out to consider the needs of all community members and be accommodating and inclusive to everyone regardless of ability, so kids like ours can have fun and enjoy themselves without barriers.”

This innovative playground-park, designed to promote inclusivity and the well-being of children of all abilities, has become a reality thanks to generous of sponsors and gifts from community supporters, all matched dollar-for-dollar by the Community Foundation. Major funders include AF Group, CASE Credit Union, University of Michigan Health, Mary Free Bed, Peckham, John and Jewel Bos, Eileen and Jerry Fhaner, and Linda and Joel Zylstra. Linda Zylstra initiated the concept as part of the Community Foundation’s vision for developing the downtown Lansing riverfront.

“After overcoming pandemic-related delays and permitting challenges, we are delighted to unveil Play Michigan! to the public,” said Laurie Strauss Baumer, president & CEO of the Community Foundation. “The original estimate of $1.6 million doubled over time to $3.2 million, but the Foundation was wholly committed to this project so that every child, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to play in an inclusive environment. While the Foundation led the project and contributed most of the cost, we couldn’t have done it without our sponsors, donors, and partners – the City of Lansing, Wieland, Viridis Architects, Sinclair Recreation, and Disability Network.” 

The Community Foundation is passionate about creating vibrant, thriving communities throughout Michigan’s capital region. The Foundation serves donors to meet their unique charitable goals, supports area nonprofits with grants and coaching, and leads innovative projects that drive community growth. The Community Foundation (also known as the Capital Region Community Foundation) is a tax-exempt public charity whose mission is to lead philanthropic solutions that build vibrant communities in Ingham, Clinton and Eaton counties.

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Below was our story from back in the spring of 2023.

LANSING, MICH. -After a 2-year delay due to the pandemic and permitting issues, the Community Foundation is delighted to announce that construction is finally underway for Play Michigan!, the region’s first universally-accessible playground.

“We are thrilled to finally break ground on Play Michigan! and bring this much-needed project to our community,” said Laurie Strauss Baumer, president & CEO of the Community Foundation. “This playground will be a safe, inclusive, and accessible space for all children, regardless of their abilities.”

Play Michigan! is designed to meet the needs of children with physical, sensory, and other disabilities. The playground will feature wheelchair-accessible play equipment, specialty swings and ramps, sensory play areas, and other inclusive features, ensuring that children of all abilities can play side by side.

The project is made possible through the leadership of the Community Foundation, in partnership with the City of Lansing, along with local businesses and individuals who have made generous contributions, matched 1:1 by the Foundation.

“We’re inspired by the vision of this project and are so proud to support its development, which will provide a safe and inclusive play space for children in our community for years to come,” said Keri Kittmann, senior vice president, Business Performance, Strategy and Chief of Staff for AF Group.

Construction for Play Michigan! is expected to take several months, with the playground slated to open in September 2023.

This unique park will be located on the Grand River in downtown Lansing, highly visible near the southwest corner of Saginaw Street and Grand Avenue. The 66,000-square-foot park will include a custom, state-of-the-art, all-access playground that is 10,000 square feet. The park will also include a picnic deck, pavilion, dedicated barrier-free parking, and universal access to the river’s edge with a boardwalk and large platform designed for all children and adults to be up close to the river for viewing, picnicking, and fishing. 

For more information on Play Michigan! and how to support this important project, visit www.ourcommunity.org or contact Laurie Baumer, president & CEO of the Community Foundation, at LBaumer@ourcommunity.org or (517) 281-9054. 

The Community Foundation is passionate about creating vibrant, thriving communities throughout Michigan’s capital region. The Foundation serves donors to meet their unique charitable goals, supports area nonprofits with grants and coaching, and leads innovative projects that drive community growth. The Community Foundation (also known as the Capital Region Community Foundation) is a tax-exempt public charity whose mission is to lead philanthropic solutions that build vibrant communities in Ingham, Clinton, and Eaton counties.

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