Diversity, inclusion, belonging; a place for all
BY PHILL BARNETT
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN
INEZ — Kendyl and Friends Foundation, Eastern Kentucky ASD & SPD Support Group and Martin County Tourism Board are bringing an inclusive playground to Martin County. President of Eastern Kentucky ASD and SPD Support Group Kelli Jo Kirk (née Blair) is coordinating the project and spoke at the Martin County Tourism Board meeting April 18 about fundraising efforts.
Kelli Jo and her group have been working toward the goal of an all-abilities park since 2018. With the Kendyl and Friends and Martin County Tourism board partnerships in place, they can finally begin fundraising and planning for the park, coordinated largely through the Kendyl & Friends All-Inclusive Playground – The Christian Cage Campus Facebook page.
The playground will include sensory- and accessibility-focused playground equipment. They plan to purchase many playground features from the Miracle Recreation Equipment Company, which sells a diverse catalog of playground equipment focused on broad accessibility. One of the planned features of the playground will be a “sensory museum” of tactile activities for kids.
According to Kendyl and Friends Foundation founder Crimson Claycomb, an all-inclusive park ranges in cost from $50,000 up to $700,000. Kirk told the Tourism Board that her team has big plans for raising the funds necessary to build the park they have been working toward for years.
“We have a whole list of things we want to do,” Kirk said.
Kirk told the Tourism Board that the group is conducting and planning several fundraisers for the park, including a gala and a 5K walk/run organized by Kendyl and Friends.
One of the group’s plans is to start a viral Facebook challenge akin to the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.
“#BabySharkForAPark … They’re to sing the Baby Shark song, but we want them to put marshmallows in their mouth, and then they challenge someone to donate,” said Kirk. “And that’s something that could go on for a while… We’re hoping it catches on — something fun and easy.”
Kirk also told the Board that the group is selling T-shirts to raise money for the playground. The shirts feature the project’s name on the front along with its motto on the back: “Diversity. Inclusion. Belonging. A Place For All.” They hope to sell around 500 t-shirts, which will raise approximately $6,800 in funds for the playground. Kid sizes through adult XL are $20, 2XL shirts are $22, and 3XL-5XL shirts are $24.
To purchase a t-shirt, donate or get involved, go to the Kendyl & Friends All-Inclusive Playground Christian Cage Campus Facebook page or contact Kelli Jo Kirk directly.