12/18/2025
# Building an All-Inclusive Playground for Amboy
The Amboy Lions Club is proud to announce plans to install a new **8,700 square foot all-inclusive playground** at the former Junior High School site. This project represents a significant investment in the health, well-being, and unity of our community, and it reflects our long-standing commitment to service.
# # What Is an All-Inclusive Playground?
An all-inclusive playgroundāsometimes referred to as an inclusive or universally accessible playgroundāis designed so that **children and adults of all abilities can play together**. Unlike traditional playgrounds, which may unintentionally exclude individuals with physical, sensory, or cognitive disabilities, an all-inclusive playground removes barriers to participation and creates opportunities for everyone to engage.
Key features typically include:
* **Accessible surfaces** that accommodate wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers
* **Adaptive play equipment** that supports children with mobility challenges
* **Sensory-rich elements** for individuals with autism or sensory processing differences
* **Ground-level play components** that allow inclusive interaction
* **Quiet or calming spaces** for those who may become overstimulated
The goal is not to separate users by ability, but to **encourage shared play experiences**, fostering empathy, understanding, and social connection among all children.
# # Why Amboy Needs an All-Inclusive Playground
Play is essential to physical development, social skills, emotional health, and overall quality of life. For many families, however, traditional playgrounds are not accessible or welcoming. An all-inclusive playground ensures that children with disabilitiesāand their familiesāare not left on the sidelines.
By locating this playground at the former Junior High School site, the Amboy Lions Club is creating a **central, community-focused space** that will serve families across Amboy and the surrounding area for generations to come.
# # How You Can Support This Project
The construction of an all-inclusive playground is only possible through community support. The Amboy Lions Club is asking individuals, families, and businesses to consider making a donation to help bring this vision to life.
All donations should be made to:
**The Amboy Lions Club Foundation**
A registered **501(c)(3) charitable foundation**
Donations may be made by check and mailed to:
**Amboy Lions Club**
PO Box 74
Amboy, Illinois 61310
Contributions may be tax-deductible as allowed by law.
# # A Lasting Impact
An all-inclusive playground is more than play equipmentāit is a statement about who we are as a community. It says that everyone belongs, everyone matters, and everyone deserves a place to play.
The Amboy Lions Club thanks you for your continued support and invites you to be part of this meaningful project that will strengthen our community and enrich lives for years to come.