“Campaign for All to Play” for Northwest’s First Boundless™ Playground Nears $200,000 Goal!
 
In 2008, the PenMet foundation embarked on a on a unique and life-enhancing project
for children and their families in the greater-Pierce county region – a certified
Boundless™ playground*. The playground, the first of its kind in the Northwest US, is well underway at the 98-acre Sehmel Homestead Park, located in the North Rosedale Area of
Gig Harbor (click here for map). The park, scheduled to open in late 2009, will also have
many other amenities, such as picnic facilities, a pavilion and amphitheater, a
rhododendron garden, ball fields, tennis and basketball courts, an extensive trail
system and many other recreational opportunities.
As of October 22nd, 2009, the Foundation is about $10,000 shy of its goal to raise $200,000 towards the $300,000
project. The balance needed will come from a budget appropriation allocated by the Peninsula Metropolitan
Park District who will also maintain the facility in perpetuity. The Foundation’s share is split into acquisition
and construction (87.5%) and an endowment (12.5%) to help assure the playground is properly cared for into
the future.
There are many ways you can participate in making this special playground a reality and help us reach our
$200,000 campaign goal, click here to learn how.
What is a Boundless Playground?
A Boundless™ playground exceeds requirements of the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) “wheelchair accessibility”—it is an extraordinary
universally-accessible playground where children, with and without disabilities, can develop essential life skills as they learn together through play.
Unique features of the barrier-free space include special ramps and transfer stations that enable children of all abilities to access and play within all
levels of the playground, and sensory rich activities that stimulate imagination, interactive play, and the
development of social skills and self-esteem.
Why is a Boundless™ Playground important for our community and the region?
About 25.2% of all children and young adults (18 years and under) in Pierce County are disabled. Over 20% of all
families in the County have children under the age of 12 with special needs (U.S. Census 2000). Pierce County ranks
15th out of all Washington state counties for the total number of persons with some form of sensory, physical or
mental disability.
This playground will provide a public barrier-free area where all families from communities around the region can
come together to allow their children to play and learn in a safe, unencumbered environment. It will also fill a
significant void in our community and the region by providing a special outdoor space where children with
disabilities can fully enjoy their playground experience.
 Providing an opportunity for children of all abilities to play, learn and develop a greater understanding of each other
will benefit all of our children. This understanding will allow children with special needs greater opportunities for
integrating into and contributing to society and for typically-developing children, greater acceptance, compassion
and respect for differences in others. Click here for the project brochure.
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Awaiting specialized surfacing, ramps, swings, and landscaping
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Nearly ready for the children, just $10,000 to go!
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Inspired by the possibilities promoted by the national non-profit organization, Boundless™ Playgrounds and area parents who have children with
and without disabilities, this playground will give all of our children a place to play – together.
Meet some of the children who will benefit from this extraordinary playground:
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My name is Micah and I am a 6 year-old living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. My favorite thing to do is play with my big brother. I love astronauts, and I want to be a firefighter when I grow up. My favorite thing to do on the playground is play in the sandbox. |
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I will be 3 years old in October, and my name is Lisle. I was born at 24 weeks and am blind with developmental coordination disorder. I love music, the smell of freshly cut grass and to feel warm sand between my toes. My fingers are my eyes and the new playground will have play panels I can “see” and learn. |
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My name is Ian and I am six years old. I was born 15 weeks prematurely and live my life to its fullest with cerebral palsy and autism. I need help getting around with a wheelchair and walker, but I love swimming and being outdoors. One of my favorite places to play is on a playground. |
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My name is Jake. I am 5 years old. I was born with trisomy 21 (Downs Syndrome). I am Taylor’s big brother - we have a great time playing together. I love going to school to be with my friends and being outdoors. I can’t wait to go to the new playground with my grandpa! |
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My name is Hope. I really like to play outside with my family and friends. I was born with a chromosomal deletion that makes me very small and also affects my muscle strength. A special playground would be a perfect place for me to play and grow! |
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Hi, I am George. I am six years old and was born with a form of spina bifida. Last year I started using a walker, that was a BIG step! I like fishing with my Grandma and playing with the worms. I have many friends, two brothers and one sister. My dream is to chase them on the playground and to climb like a monkey. |
Join the Campaign for All to Play
The PenMet Foundation believes that parks are for all people! If you would like to join us, make history today and enrich the lives of children by
helping to build the first Boundless™ Playground in the Northwestern United States click here for the donor/pledge form and project brochure.
There are several ways you can help the Foundation to raise the needed resources for this tremendous community project.
You can:
- Make a cash donation by sending your tax-deductible donation, payable to the PenMet Foundation and designated to the Boundless™
Playground project to:
PenMet Foundation
5720 144th St. NW
Gig Harbor, WA 98332
- Make your donation in any amount through our secure online donation system – just click here.
- Make your donation by sponsoring one of the playground features - just click here to learn more about these opportunities and how you can
make your gift or pledge.
- Commemorative Bricks: Only 2 weeks remain! November 2nd is the last day to purchase an inscribed commemorative brick for you, your family, in memory or honor of a loved one, and/or to advertise your business commitment to your community. Click Here to order online.
Commemorative Recognition Opportunities
The Boundless™ Playground project also provides a variety of commemorative opportunities to recognize donors, businesses, foundations, families, and loved ones. Each donation to the project will be honored in a permanent fashion to represent your generosity and community support.
To learn more about naming/commemorative opportunities for your gift please contact the Foundation at
(253) 514-6338 or at info@penmetfoundation.org.
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