NOVEMBER 2002

Douglas County Junior League plants garden of opportunity for local children

A playground is more than a mixture of jungle gyms, slides and swings – it represents the essence of childhood according to Melinda McWilliems, and it should be an experience all children can share. Ms. McWilliems, a member of the Junior League of Douglas County, is one of several volunteers working together to create a playground every child can visit and enjoy -- even children with special needs.

The Junior League Children’s Playgarden is a project intended to provide opportunities for all children, no matter what physical condition they might be in, to play together. Unique structures, allowing special access for children in wheelchairs and children with sensory impairments, will be installed piece by piece at the Clinton Nature Preserve as funding is available.

“We made it for all kids – it’s accessible for everybody. We wanted handicapped kids to play just like healthy kids,” said Ms. McWilliems.

The project is based on a design by Boundless Playgrounds, a national not-for-profit organization. The Douglas County site is the first project of its kind in Georgia, and joins 24 other Children’s Playgardens across the nation. Once the playground is complete, Boudless Playgrounds claims 70 percent of all play activities may be enjoyed by children with physical disabilities without leaving the safety of their support equipment.

In August, $1,500 was given to the Junior League by GreyStone’s Operation Round-Up to help fund the playground. Operation Round-Up is a not-for-profit program sponsored by GreyStone Power Corporation through the GreyStone Power Foundation. It gives energy customers the option of ‘rounding up’ their power bill each month to the nearest dollar amount or more. The change is then compiled and made available to charitable organizations facing hardships. Members donate an average of $6 to $7 annually to the program, though many members find it in their hearts to give more. It is one of several organizations the Junior League has approached seeking funds to make their vision a reality.

Fundraising efforts for the junior League Playgarden began in early 2000, and since then the group has raised more than $100,000 for the project. Ms. McWilliems said the group is in the process of filing for grants from local and statewide agencies to attain the $300,000 needed to complete the entire playground.

Ground was broken for the Douglas County playground over the summer, and work in late October brought the first installment of equipment to the area. A play structure in the shape of an airplane was donated and installed by Delta Airlines and Pratt & Whitney volunteers on Oct. 25, while Benchmark Homes built a picnic pavilion.

The playground is meant for children in and beyond Douglas County. The Junior League said they hope residents from Paulding, Carroll, Fulton, Cobb and other near-by counties will bring their children to the site after completion.

“We’re hoping everybody will take advantage of it when it’s done,” said Ms. McWilliems.

Operation Round-Up

Operation Round-Up is led by a board of directors, comprised of community volunteers who represent GreyStone’s nine member districts. The program provides assistance to non-profit organizations in times of hardship. Each application is reviewed and investigated by a board member, who then reports to the board with a recommendation on what action, if any, the board should take. For more information on Operation Round-Up, call Ms. Lockhart at (770) 370-2048 or visit www.greystonepower.com/Round_Up.html.

Clinton Nature Preserve

From the east, take I-20 West to Exit 30 (Post Road).  Turn left on Post Road and go to the first road on the right (Ephesus Church Road).  Turn right on Ephesus and go 2-3 miles and you will see Clinton Nature Preserve on your right. Call (770) 920-7129 for hours of operation.