The Kiwanis Club of Tysons Corner Helps Out a Special Park

by Jen Dugent, President

On April 4, 2009, Kiwanis Clubs from around the world gathered in a largescale effort to do service out in their communities. The Kiwanis Club of Tysons Corner and its SLPs gathered at Clemyjontri Park, which is one of dozens of parks within Fairfax County, Virginia. But there is something that sets this park apart from the rest, and that is its unique playground.

To the casual observer, the playground at Clemyjontri Park looks like an ordinary playground, with swings, slides and play equipment fun to climb on, under, and around. A closer look will reveal that some of those swings have high backs for children who need extra support. Instead of standard transfer platforms there are ramps to the elevated play components. Pathways between equipment are wide and colorful, and the ground surfaces are non-slip and porous designed to provide a greater level of access for children. The purpose of the playground is to allow children with and without disabilities to play side-by-side.

Individuals also use the park for physical therapy. “You see these children that can’t walk 3 feet come to this park and get inspired by the colors and life here,” says Ed XXX from Fairfax County Parks, “you can’t help but get a little choked up watching them walk several feet by themselves using the playground equipment.”

On Kiwanis ONE Day, the Kiwanis Club of Tysons Corner gathered with its SLPs to help take care of this very special park and playground. Members spent the morning installing split rail fencing along the pathways with landscaping. This was to protect the special padded playground floor from debris tracked in from areas outside the walkways. Members also took up the stone pathways and realigned them to prevent tripping.

It was a beautiful day and all involved were able to contribute to get the projects done, whether it was digging holes, shoveling blue dust, controlling the wheel barrows, or pulling up stones. Many parents stopped to watch what we were doing and ask about Kiwanis. This was a great opportunity for exposure, while making a huge difference in the live of young children—disabled or not. With budgets cut across the board, the Fairfax County Park Authority was very appreciative of our club volunteering to help. The Club plans on continuing the split rail fencing project at Clemyjontri Park throughout the summer.