Tampa Steps In To Fund Playground For Children With Disabilities

TAMPA, FL — The city of Tampa, ranked among the top 100 cities in the U.S. for best parks access, has stepped in to make sure some of its most vulnerable residents have a safe place to play.

Acknowledging how crucial it is for children of all abilities to have a safe place to play, socialize and develop skills, the city of Tampa awarded Sunrise Children's Services, formerly United Cerebral Palsy of Tampa Bay Inc., at 2714 W. Kirby St., and 1114 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa, a $585,687 community development block grant to build a playground that's accessible to children with disabilities.

The grant paid for covered walkways outside the 3,600-square-foot center, interior renovations to accommodate children with and without developmental delays and a playground that can accommodate wheelchairs, walkers and other devices used by children with disabilities.

"The safety enhancements that were funded means our children can be protected from the elements when walking outside and have the tools and supports necessary on the inside to participate in various classroom activities regardless of their limitations," said Sunrise Children's Services in a thank-you to the city. "But nothing comes as close to capturing the spirit of their contribution quite like the playground does. We are so grateful for this gracious expression of support and a keen understanding that playtime for our children now will lead to great accomplishments in the future."

Sunrise is one of the largest, private 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organizations in the country dedicated to serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Over the last 50 years, Sunrise has increased the number of people served from 50 people in South Florida to more than 2,000 across several states.