Ribbon Cutting: Gaylord VFW Play Ground

Description

The Idea:
The Veterans Community Park Playscape was created as a unique and innovative play area for children, families, and veterans of all physical abilities to interact in a healthy and safe environment that encourages creativity, exercise, and fun. The Vets Playscape Committee is a group of local community volunteers who saw a need for such an inclusive play area where children and adults with disabilities could play together with

The Need:

According to the 2022 US Census, Otsego County has a 12.4% disability population under the age of 65, while the City of Gaylord (where the playscape will be located) has a much larger 21.6% disability population in this age group. The State of Michigan average is just 14.3%. Thus, this playscape will fill the gap by providing this population a playscape that caters to their needs. There are no other inclusive playgrounds available in Otsego County.

The Plan and the Funding:
The committee is currently working on a 4-phase plan for the playscape that will be located just north of the current pavilion in Veterans Community Park on Old 27 just north of McCoy Road. The goal is to have all 4 phases completed within 5 years with the help of donations and grants.

On August 14/15th they will be constructing Phase 1 and are gathering donations for Phase 2