“Boundless Playground at Gompers” Now Open (continued)
On May 27, 2010, Gompers officially opened its "Boundless Playground." Designed with one mission in mind - accessibility for all individuals - Gompers "Boundless Playground" could not have been completed without the overwhelming generosity of so many in the community. Complete with 10,000 square feet of play and activity areas, Gompers "Boundless Playground" is an extraordinary project not only for the benefit of those attending Gompers, but everyone in the disability community. If you would like to be join in on the fun, please call (602) 336-0061.
Scheduled to open in the Spring of 2011, phase 2 of this spectacular project is a fully accessible garden. This special garden will enhance Gompers physical and recreational therapy program and create an expanded outdoor venue open to our clients and the community. The walls of the garden will be surrounded with an impressionistic wall-to-wall mural with flowers and plants native to Arizona by Sarah Keaton, a local artist. Each plant in the mural will be labeled in a separate outline for educational purposes of our clients. An area dedicated to growing vegetables and herbs to promote healthy eating habits will be included along with areas designated for storage of plant materials and gardening tools. In addition, the mural itself surrounding the garden will completely detail the garden so it appears lush, beautifully appointed and orderly at any stage of the process. Painted pathways in the background of the garden will include names of donors for our “Walk of Fame.” The garden, like the playground, will be shared with the community of agencies serving those with disabilities on a scheduled basis. Prior to scheduled access of the garden, several agencies will actually be invited to assist Gompers with the installation of the garden. Our inaugural installation team for the accessible garden will include four agencies:
- KEENphoenix (Kids Enjoying Exercise Now)
- Duet (previously Beatitudes DOAR Center, an independent senior living program)
- Amber Pointe, a new senior community, and
- Starshine Academy -- a school that is home to about 60 students from around the world. The partnership with Starshine Academy will be a new and unique partnership including students K-12.
The garden will allow agencies supporting those with disabilities to collaborate with seniors and students to make this a project for the community. Completion of the garden will not only provide social interaction and inclusiveness for individuals with disabilities, but also will provide direct contact and support for our senior and student population. Gompers will be one step closer to completing the oneto- one recreational venue for specialized exercise, sports and gardening. Individuals facing the most significant challenges will have an exciting new option in meeting their individual goals in an inviting outdoor environment. These activities will also provide a cross section of interaction experience with populations often separate in collaborative activities-- individuals with disabilities, seniors and students from around the world. The full experience including our playground, garden, pool and gymnasium will touch all aspects of Gompers mission by actually providing an environment of inclusiveness for individuals with disabilities.