This mission of The Maddie Mann Foundation for Accessible Play “is to help create a barrier free community for our wounded military, elderly, and our disabled populations that will allow them the opportunity for play with their families.”
The Maddie Mann Foundation for Accessible Play was established in 2013. Jamie and Michael Mann know firsthand the challenges a family has when providing for a child with disabilities. Selecting places to eat and attending community events can be challenging when considering accessible parking, accessible restrooms, sidewalks and the list goes on. The Mann’s want to bring accessible play and other accessible opportunities to their community; not only for their daughter Madison, but also for the community’s disabled population, our wounded military and the elderly.
The Mann family has raised over $32,000 since 2013 on a grass roots level. It is now time to bring a larger awareness to their cause and mission.
The playground was their largest goal as a small-town foundation. Bigger goals were included making public pools accessible with pool lifts; and the installation of ramps exiting and entering park areas.
Whatever can make play more accessible, that is the ultimate long-term goal. Total Accessibility for all!
The City of Colonial Heights Recreation and Parks Department is providing the land for the future site of the playground. The playground will be located in White Bank Park; a perfect location with walking trails, wonderful views of the river, two pavilions and restroom facilities.
The Playground costs will be $200,000 to $250,000. The board will seek local contractors to donate in-kind to control this expense. We will assure upon completion that the travel-ways will be fully ADA compliant. The Foundation will work closely with local businesses and Colonial Heights Recreation and Parks to provide a safe playground and environment for all!
Colonial Heights Recreation and Parks will maintain the playground and will be responsible for any future capital improvement needs after project completion.
We are actively searching for foundations, businesses and community partners to support this project. We are currently working on the sponsorship levels, but know that a donation of $200,000.00 gives full naming rights to the playground.
Karen R. Pusey, President of the Miracle League of Richmond Virginia has joined our board to help with the fundraising. Karen has successfully raised the money to provide Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation with a beautiful fully accessible sports facility including lights, bathrooms and most importantly “Richmond’s First Boundless Playground”. The Miracle League of Richmond is a successfully run sports league designed for youth and young adults with disabilities.
The Miracle League of Richmond VA and our Maddie Mann Foundation Playground will provide similar opportunities. A Barrier Free Playground is a wonderful way to bring individuals together, eliminate bias, and to provide another opportunity for inclusion and fun!
On a Barrier-Free Playground you will find:
• Every individual can reach the highest play deck
• Play structures configured to support individual’s development
• Universally accessible pathways and surfacing
• Cozy spots where everyone can gather
• Equipment like swings and bouncers with back support
• Elevated sand tables and activity panels where individuals of all abilities can play together
• Sensory-rich activities that let the imagination soar
The Maddie Mann Foundation for Accessible Play welcomes the opportunity to partner with your organization. Our Foundation is a 501c3 with all donations tax deductible.
Please feel free to contact us with additional questions: Jamie Mann, Executive Director, [email protected]
(804) 731-6585; Karen R. Pusey, Development, [email protected], (804) 229-4966 or Craig Skalak
Director of Recreation & Parks, City of Colonial Heights, [email protected], (804) 520-9224