Since some children with disabilities cannot use regular playground swings, they must sometimes just sit on the sidelines and watch their friends and siblings on the swings.
According to www.noahsplay.com, “Thanks to inclusive playgrounds, children with disabilities or differences can interact with peers and feel better about themselves, while also developing physical skills and abilities. Another huge benefit of inclusive playgrounds is they promote active play and can help kids build decision and problem-solving skills. As kids play, they develop social abilities, enhance their communication skills, and receive physical benefits of gross motor skill activity and exercise.”
With all this in mind, Tunkhannock Rotary 2018-19 President Mike Markovitz applied for a District 7410 Designated Grant for $3,000 with a club match of $3,000 to buy and install an inclusive swing set at Lazybrook Park, home to Rotary’s Harvest & Wine Festival.
In fact, the matching funds came from the previous year’s profits from the October Festival.
In early August 2020, Rotarians Ron Furman and Norm Kelly joined Tunkhannock Township workers Bob Stevens and John Algar to dig holes, assemble the swing set frame and cement the poles into the ground.
On Monday, Oct. 5, the wood chips were finally delivered to finish up the installation of the swing set. Several Rotarians worked with the township workers to spread the wood chips and hang the swings, which are rated for use by children 5-12 years of age.
Markovitz, who led this endeavor, offered a big thank you to all those who helped with this project, especially, Rotarians Furman, Kelly, John Proctor and Mary Tempest, as well as, Algar, Stevens, and Tunkhannock Township supervisor Ace Shupp.
Markowitz also thanked Norm and Aaron Werkheiser for assisting with shipping/delivery/unloading/and storage of the swing set (at Keystone Truck Caps) until it could be put into place.
