Play is serious business for children. Its nature’s way of training children for what life has in store.  During play children develop more than 30 developmental functions, including motor skills like running, jumping and balancing to cognitive skills like creativity, logic and problem-solving to self-esteem.

Play is a fundamental need, just like air, water, and the five food groups. Yet children with disabilities often have difficulty meeting this need because playgrounds are not designed for accessibility and inclusion.  When children with disabilities are prevented from engaging in typical play activities they become further disadvantaged and are prevented from developing to their full potential.

Experts in pediatrics and early child education agree that through play, all children develop language skills, decision making abilities, social strategies and physical, sensory and cognitive strengths, which will carry over to the classroom. 

The playground will benefit all children and their families in S.E. Idaho especially since childhood obesity is a growing concern. Children need more opportunities for recreation and exercise.