Donations Fund Universally Accessible Playground

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Sugar Land, TX - Sugar Land City Council recently accepted a $200,000 donation toward the construction of the City’s first universally accessible playground Project at First Colony Park.

The funding was raised through a capital campaign launched by the Sugar Land Legacy Foundation, a non-profit community group that works with individuals, corporations, trusts and others interested in making charitable, tax-deductible donations to support activities and capital projects that benefit residents of Sugar Land.

The new playground will replace the current playground at First Colony Park and provide a place where children can play together and foster friendships in a welcoming, safe and accessible environment.

The playground surface will be a bonded rubber material suitable for wheelchairs and people who need a more even surface to access the equipment. Platforms on the equipment will be longer, and they will include ramps to make every piece accessible for people with disabilities.

Sensory-stimulating playground products that are specifically designed to encourage personal, social and emotional development will also be included.

“The cost of an accessible playground is much higher than a standard playground,” said Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation Joe Chesser. “The construction of this playground will include 5,500 square feet of rubber surfacing and is estimated to cost $400,000. We greatly appreciate the generosity of so many in our community who contributed toward this project.”

The Legacy Foundation’s donation will be combined with $200,000 identified by the Sugar Land 4B Corporation and recently approved by City Council. Major contributors to the project include the Fort Bend Junior Service League, The George Foundation, the Rotary Club of Sugar Land, the Rotary Club of Fort Bend County, the Jabez Foundation, Paul Likhari, former City Councilmember Don Olson and Minute Maid.

The City worked with the Dream League to identify appropriate improvements at the park and the nearby baseball complex.

The Dream League was established in 2007 as a challenger division of First Colony Little League to enable children with physical and/or intellectual disabilities from all over Fort Bend County to enjoy the game of baseball. The league’s roster includes about 100 players with intellectual and/or physical disabilities and another 150 “Angels in the Outfield” boys and girls from Fort Bend area schools who assist Dream League players during their games.

Park improvements are expected to be completed later this summer.

Photo Caption: Sugar Land City Council recently recognized members of the First Colony Little League’s Dream League and Angels in the Outfield for their selection as one two leagues in the nation to play in the 2015 Little League World Series Challenger Division exhibition game on Aug. 29 in Williamsport, Penn.