LINN  — Inclusive Playground committee member Osage County Special Services (OCSS) Director Megan Reichart announced last week that the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has awarded a Land and Water Conservation Grant totaling $229,911.20 toward the construction of 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. “We are extremely grateful for the support we have received.”

She added that it’s exciting to be closing in on the next phase of the plan that began in 2019, with a groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for Nov. 16 at 5:30 p.m. at Linn City Park.

Initially, the group planned to build the playground inside the fairgrounds of the Linn Lion’s Club, but that changed to the park behind City Hall on 11th Street, where the current equipment was installed in 2003.

“It’s time to replace it,” said Reichart. “The current playground will be removed, and the new playground will open in its place. We anticipate that with good maintenance, this playground will serve the community for 20 years or more.”

According to the grant application, the committee anticipates a six-week bid process, with a completion date of roughly four to five months.

Committee members began by picking a “Farm Theme” for the playground to honor the county’s rural roots. 

Unlimited Play designed the playground for the committee with input from members on what equipment was wanted.

The reason for the project 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 you can 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.

In addition to children with disabilities, the park will provide a place for therapeutic moments for military veterans who have suffered injuries or disabilities.

“This is truly an all-inclusive playground,” said Reichart.

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

While the city of Linn does not have a master plan, aldermen have been developing this project as part of the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy through the Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC).

So far, the group has received approximately $257,000 in donations or pledges, with some grant funding also helping to make the playground a reality.

“We are so very grateful to everyone who has pledged money or made a donation,” said Reichart 

The group previously secured a $30,000 grant from the Department of Natural Resources but it fell through due to a delay. However, United Way of Central Missouri has awarded a $20,000 grant, and the Helping Hands Foundation through Three Rivers Electric Cooperative pledged $10,000 in grant funding.

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