This week's featured Future MP Athlete!

Hey everyone,

We thought you all could use something fun to brighten this cloudy, cool day!  New to the blog: each week we will feature a "Future MP Athlete."  You might recognize this cutie from our website and marketing materials.... Introducing GRAYSON!

BIO:

Hi, I'm Grayson! I am 7 years old and one of three siblings. My family and I are very excited about Miracle Park! The park represents so much I hold near and dear to my heart. My love for the outdoors, playing recreational sports, and learning and playing alongside individuals of ALL abilities! There are many things I can do independently, but I also get a ton of motivation to attempt new things and push myself more when working and playing alongside others! Thank you for bringing this park to                                                               our community!

A few things unique to me are:

• My favorite color is Red
• I am in the First Grade
• I love my Teachers and School
• I rock an Extra Chromosome
• I have twin 5 year old siblings (Nora and Nicholas)
• I love music especially Kidz Bop Kids
• I always root for the New England Patriots (per Daddy)
• My favorite restaurant is Chick fil-A
• I love Dogs
• I also love Horseback Riding
• Swimming is my favorite summer activity

Construction update

April 27 update

If you haven't driven by lately, we'd encourage you to do so this week! We hope that you will be encouraged by the progress being made! Construction crews are onsite almost daily working on the infrastructure of the park. They should be finishing the storm drain and sewer installation in the next few weeks. We are close to having Phase 1 final rough graded in about 2 weeks!! This is great progress. During the past several weeks, the Executive Team has had many conversations about how we should continue to move forward given the current circumstances. As you might imagine, our fundraising abilities have been stalled and slightly hindered. At this point, we are being diligent to save money where we can and spend wisely. We all agree that the infrastructure must be complete, and even if we have to scale back on Phase 1, progress will continue! See below for the most recent progress photos!

April 27 update: If you haven't driven by lately, we'd encourage you to do so this week! We hope that you will be encouraged by the progress being made! Construction crews are onsite almost daily working on the infrastructure of the park. They should be finishing the storm drain and sewer installation in the next few weeks. We are close to having Phase 1 final rough graded in about 2 weeks!! This is great progress. During the past several weeks, the Executive Team has had many conversations about how we should continue to move forward given the current circumstances. As you might imagine, our fundraising abilities have been stalled and slightly hindered. At this point, we are being diligent to save money where we can and spend wisely. We all agree that the infrastructure must be complete, and even if we have to scale back on Phase 1, progress will continue! See below for the most recent progress photos!

The Arch Swing

The Arch Swing is a fun and accessible way to add swinging motion to our playground. The wide seating area accommodates up to five children. 

Children with Sensory Processing Disorder, or similar sensory issues, can lay across the center section and enjoy the calming to-and-fro motion. Children can also sit around the perimeter of the seat and enjoy swinging together. 

FEATURES
Arch uprights are constructed of durable 3.5" galvanized steel
Metal insert at the top of the arch provides shade from direct sunlight
Transfer point for wheelchair or other mobility device
Provides calming to-and-fro motion for children with sensory issues
Offers a fun, collaborative play activity for children of all abilities!

Sensory Spinner

Another fun playground piece: A fast, fun and exciting freestanding sensory spinner for children of all abilities. The high back molded sensory seat with handles and front pommel design helps children maintain a neutral body position while spinning.

Features:
Molded high back seat includes a divot in the headrest for additional head support
Side handles offer transfer assistance, as well as support during spinning play
Front pommel helps children maintain position while seat is spinning
Constructed of durable, recyclable materials and backed by the industry's leading warranty

Progress!

Another view of the progress still happening on site for those that can't drive by while staying at home...

Also, a big shout out to one of our newer TRIPLE donors, The Jeremiah 29:11 Fund!!! Thanks for your commitment to building the park!

Playground Feature: The Merry-Go-ALL

Yes, ALL, this is a park designed not just for a child with a disability, or just for a typical child, but for ALL children to play today, and ALL ages!

Here's another exciting playground piece - if you haven't seen the others, be sure to check out the The Arch Swing, Sensory Spinner, RoxAll See Saw and Swings!

THIS is the Merry-Go-ALL— a fully accessible, forward-facing inclusive spinning event for up to 12 passengers (4 seated, 8 standing). It's an inclusive merry-go-round. Playground equipment like whirls and merry-go-rounds add fun motion activity to all playgrounds. Merry-Go-All offers abundant grip/grasp areas to hold onto while riding or while pushing others. The center spin wheel remains stationary. This encourages children to engage in social, collaborative play, working together to turn themselves. This merry go round playground equipment is fun for kids of all ages and abilities.

FEATURES

Easy to grasp handles on the outside and turning table on the inside promotes cooperation and social interaction between users
Provides a sensory-rich spinning experience that provides sensations of body position, posture, balance, and motion
Five point harnesses can be provided for additional upper body support
Like a Merry Go Round -- but fun for all!
Constructed of durable, recyclable materials and backed by the industry's leading warranty.

Can you help support Miracle Park?  Go to www.miracleparkrockhill.com and donate online today!