Last summer, a group of local Boy Scouts decided to make life a bit more fun for Texarkana-area children with disabilities.
Members of Troop 16 put together an Eagle Scout project and, partnering with the Texarkana Texas Department of Parks and Recreation, started work on a new playground at Spring Lake Park.
Not just an ordinary playground. While any child would be welcome to play there, this one was planned specifically to meet the needs of physically and mentally challenged children and provide a place where they could have fun in safe surroundings. A place that would be a "universally designed, sensory-rich environment that enables children to develop physically, socially, and emotionally. A place that goes beyond minimum accessibility to create play experiences that meet a variety of needs and interests," according to the project's description.
The Scouts worked hard to raise money from sponsors and donors, order the necessary equipment and help build the playground. And now the dream has become reality.
There will be a grand opening and ribbon cutting for the inclusive playground today at 4:30 pm. It will be a great day for the special needs community in our area.
We salute the Scouts of Troop 16, their leaders, the city and the donors who made this possible. They can be very proud of their accomplishment. This playground is a true and lasting expression of community spirit and concern for others. And the very embodiment of the Boy Scout spirit.