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Mother outlines plans for inclusive 'No Is Perfect' playground; county administrator says project is back on
Summary
A Kent Island resident described plans for an inclusive playground in memory of her son and said a previously cut playground project was reinstated; County Administrator Todd Mahn told the public funding is available and staff would coordinate next steps with the parks director.
Rebecca Donovan, a Kent Island resident and the parent of a child who died last year, asked the county to revisit plans for an inclusive playground and described a proposed design intended for very young children and children with mobility needs. Donovan said she and her husband formed the No Is Perfect Playground foundation as a Chesapeake Charities component and are fundraising and seeking grants and corporate partners to support an inclusive renovation at Moberay Park.
"We don't want to just ask you guys for money to build this playground. We want to be a part of it," Donovan said during public comment, describing features she envisions such as adaptive equipment, nonverbal communication boards and a separate fenced area for very young children.
Donovan said she had been told plans were originally cut, but she learned during the meeting that county staff have reversed that decision. County Administrator Todd Mahn told Donovan the project "is back on," that funding is available and that staff would connect her and her foundation with Director Steve Chanley to pursue updated plans. Mahn added that installation of new equipment would likely occur "probably late fall, early spring before the new equipment gets installed."
Donovan said the foundation will continue fundraising and work with county staff to refine designs that would serve infants and toddlers as well as children with disabilities. The conversation during public comment reflected county staff willingness to re-evaluate capital priorities and to coordinate with community partners on playground renovations.
Ending: Donovan and county staff agreed to follow up; the administrator indicated a timeline for installation contingent on design, procurement and funding.
