Adult prom Saturday will help raise money for the project

BY PHILL BARNETT
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

WARFIELD — The group behind bringing an inclusive playground in Martin County unveiled a 3D-rendered design last week that shows an exciting set of playground equipment that will be fun for all ages and abilities.

Kelli Jo Kirk-Blair’s organization, the Eastern Kentucky ASD and SPD Support Group, has partnered with the Kendyl and Friends Foundation, which specializes in inclusive playgrounds and events, along with the Martin County Tourism Board, to bring the playground to life.

“I wanted to point out what ‘inclusive playground’ means,” Kirk-Blair said. “Some have thought it was a playground only for special needs individuals. It is a place where there is space carved out for special needs people to play alongside their peers. The playground is for everyone.”

Blair adds that the key difference in the Kendyl and Friends playground is that all of the equipment is made with disabilities accessibility in mind while still keeping it fun for everyone.

Kendyl & Friends All-inclusive Playground – The Christian Cage Campus will be constructed at Warfield Park. It will feature five different kinds of swings to ensure children of all sizes and abilities can participate, as well as a set of sensory activities geared toward children with different sensitivities to touch.

“We have a playground board made up of parents of children with several disabilities, a differently-abled adult, a vision therapist and a special education teacher,” said Kirk-Blair.

The board includes Kirk-Blair, Courtney Maynard, Kayla Freeman, Lorne Crum and Amanda Johnson.

As of Feb. 1, Kendyl & Friends has raised over $52,000 of the $390,421 needed to complete the playground.

“The goal for securing the fundraising and grants is November 2023. But the economy is not currently on our side,” said Kirk-Blair. “We are striving to meet this goal nonetheless.”

The group will host Memories for a Mission Adult Prom from 6-9 p.m. Saturday at the Collier Center in Inez. Money raised from the event will go directly to the playground.

Memories for a Mission Adult Prom will feature a grand march, a silent auction, voting for prom queen and king, professional photography by Lori Beth Day Photography, food catered by Cassady’s BBQ & Shaved Ice and music provided by DJ Timmy.

Tickets will cost $30 for singles or $50 for couples. The ticket price includes drinks and food.

You can purchase tickets by sending money to the Kendyl & Friends Venmo account at account.venmo.com/u/KendylandFriendsFoundation or via PayPal to the East Kentucky ASD & SPD Support Group at paypal.com/paypalme/eastKyASD with your name(s) and “Adult Prom” in the notes section of the transaction. You can also purchase tickets at the door on the night of the event.

“I decided on an adult prom because there had been several posts over the years asking for one or something similar for adults to get all dressed up and have some fun,” said Kirk-Blair.

The board still has quite a bit of fundraising to do, so they have big plans for the rest of the year.

“We are throwing around ideas for other fundraising opportunities,” said Kirk-Blair. “Including a 5K run, a gala and bake sales.”