Today (January 14 at 5:15PM at the Stevens County Senior Citizens building), a public hearing will be held to allow members of the community to express their thoughts on the inclusive playground being planned for East Side Park. The city council will then vote on whether or not to go forward with the plan to build at East Side Park. 

This will be my last update before the city council meeting, so I implore you to share this petition if you haven't already!

If you are able, please consider making an appearance at the hearing and voice your support for this project. As there has been some opposition, it is critical that we use our voices to show our support. I wanted to share a few quotes from various people in the community that emphasize the importance of a centrally located inclusive playground:

"My family will be directly impacted by the awesomeness of this opportunity! After a decade of driving by many of our local parks because they’re partially but not entirely inclusive, driving over an hour to be able to get a good play time in, this will be life changing for a little girl who LOVES playgrounds and is running out of time to enjoy them. We can’t wait to show up and show enthusiastic support for this park. It will breathe new life into our community!"

“The most important thing I have witnessed in the 16 years my son has played at these playgrounds is the curiosity that comes from little minds, the ability for them to read a disability at such a young age and then the confidence to ask the hard questions adults don’t dare ask! A world where I was taught to simply be kind has now evolved into asking how to be kind and now can I be your friend. The importance of education that happens on a playground is life changing and seeing it through his eyes has made me realize how incredible a park can be! An all-inclusive park? I’d love to see the friendships form, the questions being asked, a place for our community to learn about disabilities in a positive way, and a space where we can show our smiles!

"As a mother, I am always looking for new opportunities for my children to connect with and learn about their peers of all abilities. We have had many conversations about this potential new playground and the importance of empathy and concern for others, even in issues that may not directly impact us. My children and I are all very hopeful that soon enough we'll be playing in a space that fosters independence, connection and community for every child."

"I do not live in the community but I do work in Morris and my kids attend school and have several events in Morris. This would be another great option to utilize while we are "killing time" in town between events. I have talked to others from the surrounding areas that are happy to see this might be an option to use! I also love that it is inclusive for all abilities which is so important!"

"I am excited to have a park where more than a couple of families can be at without it being too full for the kids to play and have fun. Love that it is centrally located in town. Thank you for your vision for the growth and vitality of our community."

I will keep this petition updated following the hearing tonight. Again, thank you to everyone who has come out in support of this important issue!

Blessings,

Shannon