The Park is Open!

New park built for kids with special needs
Story by: Jordyn Taylor (click the link above to see video)
KNOE

MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Nine-year-old Hannah Netherland said there's a girl in her school that can't play on the school playground because she's in a wheelchair. Netherland welcomes a park project in Ruston designed especially for children with special needs.

"It kind of makes me mad because she can't come play with me," said Netherland. "And she's one of my really good friends."

Park board member Jacob Woods hopes this playground will change that.

"I think Legacy Park does offer a situation where special needs kids can do the things that other kids do on the other playground equipment," said Woods.

It takes in twenty five thousand feet of land inside Lincoln Parish park just off Highway 33. The playground is also a bridge between people with disabilities, and those without.

"For kids who don't have special needs to realize that the kids who do, are just kids," said Woods. "And they may need some equipment and things adapted to let them do those things but that otherwise they're just kids."

When you first arrive at the park, the playground looks like any other playground, but once you go inside, you'll notice a few differences. One difference is that the ramps are wider making it will chair accessible for children.

"You won't find steps and those kinds of things because it's all actually wheel chair accessible," said Woods. "Obviously on the bottom but also on the upper areas, kids in wheel chairs will be able to access all of it. "

Legacy Park was built in honor of three-year-old Bailey Jack Beck - who has down syndrome. It was a dream for Beck's mom - that's now a reality.

The Park Is Opening Soon!

The Park will be opened on October 22nd! We are doing an entrance with four columns that will feature handprints. If you are interested in purchasing a handprint that will have your child's name on it they are $100 and you can mail your check to PO Box 2030 Ruston, LA 71273. Let me know if you have any questions.

Thank you for supporting the park!

Legacy Park is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All donations are tax deductible. Help make Legacy Park a reality, by making an online donation.

Legacy Park on KNOE Channel 8

Legacy Park was featured on KNOE Channel 8. Click here to see the video segment.

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Story by: Jordyn Taylor

MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Legacy Park board members are eager to build a playground that they hope will bring joy to every child's face, and especially children with special needs.

"These children need an opportunity to do be able to do the things that the other children do that they really can't do in a normal park," said board member Jacob Wood.

A jungle gym apparatus will cover twenty-five thousand feet of land inside Lincoln Parish Park in Ruston - more than enough room to create boundless fun.

"Even the upper parts are going to wheel chair accessible," said Wood. "And then there are parts of the park that are going to help children with issues of sensory integration."

Building Legacy Park will cost an estimated $350,000. To raise money for the project, board members are putting together a special play day this Saturday. It will include a fishing tournament, pony rides, jumpers and a 5k race. And the event isn't just limited to children with special needs.

Jacob Wood said Legacy Park should be a bridge between people with disabilities, and those and without. "Even kids who have no particular special needs are going to look at it and go, 'wow, this thing is great!' and so they'll be able to get on it and do all the things with the other kids and they'll be interaction there just because of the structure."

The playground is in honor of two-year-old Bailey Jack Beck. His mom came up with plans for the park because she wanted siblings of special needs kids to be able to play with their brothers and sisters.

Sigma Kappa Supports Kids Day in the Park!

A big 'thanks' to Sigma Kappa Sorority for making the lovely Kids Day in the Park sign. We'll see you on Saturday!

Legacy Park’s 5k Run / Kids Fishing / Day in the Park

Saturday April 9, 2011

Enjoy the scenic setting of Lincoln Parish Park

Entry Fee

$20 Fishing Tournament
$20 5k Race

$ 5 Kids day in the Park
[Kids Day in the Park will have Games, Jumpers, Pony Rides, etc. and access to the park.]
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$25 Fee for fishing tournament or 5K race after March 31st
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[Example: If Bailey Jack wants to enter the Fishing Tournament, he would pay $20. The $20 includes his spot in the fishing tournament and access to all the events associated with Kids Day In the Park (pony rides, jumpers, etc.)  If Bailey Jack wanted to bring his family along to watch him in the Fishing Tournament, each family member would only pay $5 each and they have access to all the evnts associated with Kids Day In The Park (pony rides, jumpers, etc.)]

**T-Shirt is included in the registration price for the Fishing Tournament & 5K Race**

Schedule

7:00 a.m. Registration

8:00 a.m. Walk/Run/Roll Begins

9:00 a.m. Fishing Tournament Begins

8:00 a.m. Kids Day in the Park Begins

Awards following 5K / Fishing Tournament

Click here to download the Registration form
(see form for payment details).
Or mail to P.O. Box 2030 Ruston, LA 71273.

**Mail-in Registrations must be received by Thursday, March 31, 2011

Hamburger or Hot Dog Plates will be served for an additional $5 

(Includes Hamburger or Hot Dog/Chips/Cookie/Drink) 

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Legacy Park is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All donations are tax deductible. Help make Legacy Park a reality, by making an online donation.