Play for all
Every child, regardless of their ability, deserves a place to play with others. One out of every ten children has a disability. Two out of every ten individuals in the general population have disabilities including parents and grandparents who love playing with their children and grandchildren at playgrounds. 
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Why a universally accessible playground
Children learn by interacting with their peers, but those with disabilities are denied entrance to most traditional, ADA-compliant playgrounds. Surrounded by sand or wood chips, they are impossible to navigate for wheelchairs and walkers. When children with disabilities can reach the structure, there are only one or two pieces of equipment available to them, leaving them out of most play activities. Children with disabilities need access to their social circle and the vital benefits of play for their social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. The Jade Street Park Universally Accessible Playground will provide a play environment for children with disabilities and an avenue for all to learn compassion and acceptance.  It will also provide a place to foster connectedness for individuals who are often isolated. 
Community Supporters
“Having an accessible playground in our community gives our family a safe space to play and experience the simple joys of being a child without the restrictions or feeling frustrated by inaccessibility.  Seeing everyone playing together seamlessly brings our community closer, and raises the bar for future inclusive development.” 
- Jennie Briend, Parent
"The Jade Street Park Universally Accessible Playground will provide an inclusive, accessible space for children of all abilities to play, learn, and grow together. As a member of the community and a strong advocate for inclusivity and accessibility, I believe that this project will have a profoundly positive impact on the lives of our residents, especially those with disabilities."
- Brenda Gutierrez-Baeza, Santa Cruz County Commissioner on Disabilities




Get in touch and become a supporter today!
"Children with disabilities often can't use traditional playgrounds due to physical barriers, which isolates them. Your generosity can help create a space where such children can experience the joy of play alongside others. This will benefit fully able children as well, as they get to spend time with their differently abled peers. Thank you for considering a gift to help make that happen!" 
- Dan and Rebecca Haifley, Parents
Capitola-Aptos Rotary looks forward to supporting the Jade Street Universally Accessible playground project.    Children and Education are global causes for our club and Rotary International.   The Jade Street Universally Accessible playground is a major fundraising focus through December 2024, and we will work to join with other Rotary clubs on both fundraising and community service for the project.   Jade Street will provide a welcoming playground and gathering place for Capitola residents and visitors of all abilities and ages.
-Lowry Fenton & Pam Goodman, Co-Presidents 23-24, Capitola-Aptos Rotary
Ten years ago, I made a promise to my children, Lauren, Evelyn, and Oliver, that we would have an inclusive, accessible playground in our community.  Today, it is wonderful to see how the success of LEO’s Haven has inspired the City of Capitola to create a universally accessible playground at Jade Street Park.  Play is a birthright of every child, and I applaud and support the efforts to design safe, inclusive spaces where everyone can feel like they belong.
- Tricia Wiltshire, ​Founder of LEO’s Haven
PROJECT PARTNERS
CITY OF CAPITOLA
COUNTY PARK FRIENDS
County Park Friends 2023
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