LINN  — Linn Mayor Dwight Massey is pleased with the help the city has received in pouring concrete ahead of the Inclusive Playground’s installation, and the project, though delayed, should be completed later this fall.

“We were hoping to have it done in May,” said Massey of the project that began in 2019 when Osage County Special Services Director Megan Reichart spearheaded the effort. Unfortunately, with miscommunication as far as the concrete needs and getting the labor to get it done, we’ve been set back. Here it is August, and we’re finishing the concrete.”

Despite the delay, Massey said progress would have been hampered without the generous support of volunteers.

“Some of the people in the community who have believed in what we’re doing have been willing to come out and help,” he said. So, between the city maintenance staff and volunteers, we’re getting it done.”

Massey added that State Tech and Aplex Inc. owner Ron Helmig have loaned equipment necessary to pour and level the concrete. “It’s been frustrating at times, but when you see how much people are willing to pitch in and make it happen, it makes it worthwhile,” he added.

While the concrete was paid for with grant funds, part of the city’s in-kind labor match includes working on the pours.

PLAYGROUND PROJECT INCEPTION

AND DEVELOPMENT

Reichart said she began to notice that other counties in Missouri were building inclusive playgrounds in their areas. “I thought this would be a great thing to bring to Osage County,” said Reichart, noting she contacted the mayor, and he directed her to the park board, whose members attended the first meeting with Unlimited Play and really liked the idea.

Unlimited Play of St. Charles had been recommended with high praise, Reichart noted, adding that a representative met with the committee and presented information about inclusive playgrounds and a booklet of playgrounds that they designed and explained a little about how the whole process works. Unlimited Play works exclusively with Little Tikes, and both companies are based in Missouri. 

The committee began by picking a “Farm Theme” for the playground to honor the county’s rural roots. Unlimited Play then fully designed the playground for the committee with input from members on what type of equipment was wanted. 

Unlimited Play is an award-winning nonprofit organization that builds universally inclusive playgrounds to promote health and wellness and change communities by providing freedom of play for all children. The transformational power of an inclusive playground brings kids and adults of all abilities together to play and learn from each other.

Unlimited Play is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that helps plan, design, and build fully accessible playgrounds. These playgrounds allow all children—regardless of their abilities—to play together. Unlimited Play has unique expertise in this area and is available to assist in the development of inclusive playgrounds that promote dignity, understanding, and respect among children. In 2016, Little Tikes Commercial and Unlimited Play announced a partnership to help provide the magic of outdoor play to children of all abilities.

An open house was held in April 2019 to unveil the plan, which thereafter slowly took form. Reichart and the committee sought grant applications and community support. Along the way, United Way of Central Missouri awarded a $20,000 grant, and the Helping Hands Foundation through Three Rivers Electric Cooperative pledged $10,000 in grant funding.

In November 2022, Reichart announced that the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) had awarded a Land and Water Conservation Grant totaling $229,911.20 to construct the playground.

“This is a matching grant, and through the generosity of the community and businesses in Osage County, we have raised enough funds to move forward,” said Reichart on behalf of committee members Tracy Winslow, Stacy Bax, Christina Laughlin, Cathy McCuskey, and Travis Greer at the November 2022 groundbreaking ceremony. “We are extremely grateful for the support we have received.”

Also, at that ceremony, Massey said, “I’m kind of at a loss here because it’s rather humbling when an organization and a group that’s community-driven can put together this kind of effort to raise the money to keep this dream alive, to work with the Department of Natural Resources and bring it to our community. Because it’s inclusive, every person in the community is going to get the opportunity to use this. We’re going to, hopefully, take down some of the barriers, and people are going to have the opportunity to become more of a community instead of just a few people who live here. So, I thank every one of you on behalf of the city and the people in the region of Linn and Osage County. We’re very humbled. Thank you so much.”

The project’s reason is simple: “Play is an integral part of child development, and kids and adults with disabilities are forced to sit on the sidelines while their friends play on the playgrounds,” said Reichart. Very few fully inclusive playgrounds exist. Many playgrounds are ADA-compliant, meaning you can get to the play stuff or use a piece of play equipment.” 

A fully inclusive playground allows kids with disabilities and non-disabled children to play side-by-side on all equipment. “If you are a parent with a disability, this inclusive playground gives you the ability to play on the equipment with your children,” Reichart added. It also allows you to reach your children if they need assistance.“

These playgrounds are specifically designed to remove physical and social barriers. Unlimited Play playgrounds feature smooth surfacing to ensure mobility, ramping to every platform, a sensory-rich environment, harmonic musical instruments, roller and metal slides for children with Cochlear ear implants, and parallel play elements.

Reichart reiterated that this playground is for everyone.

“This will be a place where children of all abilities play together, learn from one another, value differences, and find the strength to overcome obstacles,” said Reichart.

According to information submitted in the grant application, approximately 7.4% of Osage County residents under the age of 65 are living with a disability.

“One great aspect of this project is that families in Osage County will experience recreation and play without having to travel to another county or region to meet accessibility needs,” said Reichart.

OCSS, which contributed to the project, sees this as an urgent need in the community. Reichart believes there is a significant gap in residential and community living that needs to be addressed.

Initially, the group planned to build the playground inside the Linn Lion’s Club fairgrounds, but that changed to the park behind City Hall on 12th Street, where the current equipment was installed in 2003.

“It’s time to replace it,” said Reichart.

The current playground has been removed, and the new playground will open in its place. Reichart anticipates that with good maintenance, this playground will serve the community for 20 years or more.”

Linn aldermen have been developing the project as part of the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy through the Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC).

MOVING TOWARD
COMPLETION

Massey noted the project is due for completion in October, and he believes it can be done. “We have to keep moving because we are running short of time,” he added. “So, that’s what the push became. Instead of continuously walking around looking for somebody to do it, trying to hire somebody — because everybody we talked to said they were so busy and couldn’t do it — it fell to us to do it.”

He added, “The committee was willing to do all the legwork to get the grant, but none of them felt qualified to spearhead the project. I don’t know that we’re qualified, but we’re willing to do it. Every time we’ve poured concrete, Megan, Travis, and his son, Jason, have been here working their butts off.”

Jason Greer is working on the project as part of his Boy Scouts volunteer hours.

After a second pour on Monday, Massey said crews and volunteers will complete a small pour on Friday and more next week. “Osage County Concrete has been a joy to work with on this project,” said Massey. “They’re responsive and make sure we have what we need.”

The mayor noted that before the city contacts Unlimited Play, a curb, sidewalk, and ramp will be poured around the playground.

Once that is complete, rubber will be poured, and Unlimited Play will install the equipment. The final steps will be fencing and park cleanup.

Linn Utilities Superintendent Aleks Rowinski noted that the project would have been more difficult without community volunteers. “Travis and Megan being out here every step with concrete has been a huge help,” he added, noting that he and maintenance employees Zach Wolfe and Josh Dombrowski have limited concrete experience. Dwight has been here when he’s been available and has given us the guidance we need.”

Massey thanked Matt Fick for his invaluable assistance. “I don’t know how many hours he’s spent out here, but Matt’s been very helpful,” he said. “He did an amazing job helping us get things lined out and set up. It’s been a great experience to work with outstanding people in the community.”

Massey said he’s committed to completing the project by October. “I haven’t even looked to see if we can get an extension because my goal is just to get it done,” he added.

Once the project is completed, the playground will be open during daylight hours.