HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Holly Bivins is dedicating her time to raise awareness about how funding the inclusive playground at the new Rotary Park will positively impact the community. A member of the Hopkinsville Rotary Club, she and Whitney Holland have been spending their own time working alongside the City of Hopkinsville and Parks and Recreation to highlight local children who would directly benefit from the playground, while also partnering with local businesses to facilitate fundraising.
“Whitney Holland and I started trying to get this on the radar because as it stands right now, her twin girls, one of which is in a wheelchair, really cannot play outside together at any local park,” Bivins told Christian County Now. “Once we really started looking at other playgrounds that were accessible, we realized that they are also very inclusive to other disabilities and thoughtful in making sure that there are elements designed for all.”
Connecting with community, $500,000 goal
“My understanding of where we are and what we still need between some grants and donations is around $500,000,” Bivins said. “The cost of the poured surface, the elements that are ADA compliant, as well as other play pieces, will be roughly $850,000. We are really pushing to create something that is great from the beginning.”
Local businesses have already partnered with the cause, hosting special fundraising days at restaurants where a portion of the proceeds go toward the playground. The Mixer held a special, four-course Mother’s Day Brunch in May and The Crusty Pig raised money during their meal service in April. Between the two, about $1,500 was raised for the park.
“We feel engaging with local businesses is so helpful in that they are reaching a diverse group of people that may not see something on Facebook or hear about it through other avenues,” added Bivins.
Importance of the park
While construction has already begun for the park on Pardue Lane to prep the land and install sidewalks and lights, work is still being done to uncover grant opportunities, along with reaching out to private donors and seeking public support. She believes that communicating the “why” behind this project will help in the fundraising process.
“We do not live in a naturally accessible world. Creating a space for all children and adults of all abilities to play is the least we can do. The community’s support will be vital; we have full faith in the generosity of our neighbors and the impact and purpose behind this endeavor,” Bivins said. “The impact this will have is really immeasurable.”
She explained that another benefit for having inclusive playgrounds is increased accessibility to elderly grandparents or relatives who wish to play alongside kids, while also creating better access for strollers. The proposed design for Rotary Park also has features specifically geared toward youth on the autism spectrum.
Direct donations can be made on the Hopkinsville Rotary website.