Syracuse special needs playground dedication Saturday
A picture of the entrance to Chloe's Playground in Syracuse. The park officially open on Saturday, May 9.
SYRACUSE — Chloe’s Sunshine Playground, a special park feature with access for children with disabilities, is finally completed after almost six years of planning, fund-raising and work.
The playground’s phase one will be dedicated on Saturday May 9, 12:30 p.m., at Syracuse’s Centennial Park, 1800 S. 2000 West, with a program, ribbon-cutting and grand opening.
The playground is named after Chloe Bennett, a former Syracuse City resident, now living with her family in South Ogden. Chloe (age 7) has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy and West syndrome, which limit her ability to speak, walk and to play on traditional playground equipment with other kids.
This separation inspired Chloe’s mother, Tara Bennett, to gather support to create a place where Chloe and other children could play together.
The Saturday program will include a presentation of colors by the Hill Air Force Base Color Guard, musical numbers, and the singing of happy birthday to Chloe (May 9 is her birthday).
This event is free and open to the public. There will be games, birthday cake, cookies, cotton candy, snow cones, face painting and more. Everyone who attends is encouraged to wear yellow. Activities will continue for two hours, until 2:30 p.m.
Zions Bank took the first step in fundraising, by donating $75,000 toward the project, which began back in the administration of former Syracuse Mayor Jamie Nagle. It soon became a community event with donations from local businesses and residents, plus a federal grant from the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
Approximately $400,000 was raised for phase one, which includes a fully accessible playground with ramps, swings, slides, a music garden, and shade structures all specially designed to allow disabled and non-disable children to play together.
The proposed second phase will include a water splash pad, to be constructed later, once necessary funds are available. Donations for phase 2 can be made by contacting Kresta Robinson, Syracuse City Parks and Recreation director, at 801-614-9654.